Massive Anti-Far-Right Demonstration Sweeps Through Central London
One of the largest rallies against the far right in UK history flooded the streets of central London this past Saturday. Thousands of attendees from all walks of life demonstrated unity in their shared opposition to right-wing extremism.
This peaceful protest occurred against a backdrop of concerns about democratic erosion under right-wing governments, as pointed out in a recent report by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe.
Famous personalities such as Sir Lenny Henry, Paloma Faith, and Steve Coogan, were among the protesters. This large-scale march was orchestrated by the Together Alliance, a robust coalition of over 500 organisations united in their advocacy for inclusivity and unity.
According to the Together Alliance, the march drew more than half a million participants. Police estimates, however, suggest a turnout of around 50,000. This demonstration was a direct response to last year’s far-right ‘Unite the Kingdom’ march, which attracted over 100,000 supporters.
“The majority of British people reject the hatred, division, and racism that was promoted at that demonstration,” declared Sabby Dhalu, the joint secretary of the Together Alliance. “Now is the time to act.”
Armed with anti-racism banners, the crowd marched from Park Lane to Trafalgar Square, passing through Whitehall. The march was enlivened with performances by Self Esteem, Jessie Ware, and UB40. Political leaders like Green Party’s Zack Polanski, Your Party’s Jeremy Corbyn, and independent former Labour MP Diane Abbott also took to the stage to address the crowd.
“People want a different vision of society – one which places dignity, compassion and human rights at its heart.”
A campaign member from the group Cut the Ties to Fossil Fuels attended the event dressed as the grim reaper, representing the oil industry, one of Reform UK’s major funders. “We need to sever ties with fossil fuels,” the campaigner stated.
The Metropolitan Police reported that two individuals were arrested on grounds of suspicion for criminal damage and public nuisance after allegedly trying to ascend pillars near Trafalgar Square. On a separate note, 18 individuals were detained outside Scotland Yard for allegedly supporting the pro-Palestine group, Palestine Action. The UK government had labelled this group as a terrorist organisation in 2025, a decision deemed unlawful by the High Court this past February. The government is currently appealing the decision.
Amnesty International UK, a renowned human rights group, referred to Saturday’s march as a “historic demonstration”. It emphasised that the protesters were calling for a societal paradigm shift towards dignity, compassion, and human rights.
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