Far-right demonstration ‘biggest’ in British history

Twenty-six police officers hurt while 25 protesters arrested

- KATE DEVLIN TARA COBHAM

A rally organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson and attended by more than 110,000 people was marred by violence yesterday, with officers making dozens of arrests after clashes broke out with police.

Many attended the “Unite the Kingdom” event in central London with the intent to cause trouble, said Met Police assistant commissioner Matt Twist, who said 25 arrests had been made and 26 officers injured.

The events led home secretary Shabana Mahmood to condemn protesters who attacked and injured police, while vowing that anyone “taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law”.

There was also outcry over the appearance of Elon Musk, who, in conversation with Robinson via a video link, called for the dissolution of parliament, while encouraging Britons to “fight back or die” over the “destruction of Britain” caused by “massive uncontrolled migration”.

In response, a Labour source told The Independent: “Threats of violence have no place in our politics, and every politician who believes in democracy should distance themselves from these disgusting comments.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said the Tesla boss “doesn’t care about the British people or our rights. He only cares about himself and his ego”. At least 110,000 people arrived in central London to attend the “freedom of speech” march, which went from Waterloo to Whitehall, and was called the biggest far-right demonstration in British history by campaign group Hope not Hate.

Meanwhile, 5,000 anti-racism campaigners congregated for counterprotests, with more than 1,600 officers deployed across the city in a bid to prevent clashes.