Tommy Robinson leads major London march amid heavy police presence and counter-protests
manchestereveningnews.co.ukThousands of people travelled to central London for a march led by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson, at the same time as a counter-protest. "Rule Britannia", "We want our country back", and Mr Robinson's name echoed through the streets as his supporters rallied around midday on Saturday on the Strand, raising Union, English, Scottish, and Welsh flags.
The demonstration also saw several Israeli flags being flown, along with placards asserting "Not far right, just right". One protestor was seen climbing on top of a phone box.
About 1,000 police officers were on duty to "keep the peace" amid the opposing demonstrations. Mr Robinson, otherwise known as Stephen Yaxley Lennon, shared in a post on 'X' (formerly Twitter) that this would be "the biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen". READ MORE: LIVE: Manchester city centre traffic chaos as busy junction shut and protesters block road Starting from the Royal Courts of Justice, his demonstration progressed towards Trafalgar Square for a gathering around 12.45pm.
Simultaneously, a counter-protest was organised from Russell Square towards Whitehall, involving Stand Up To Racism and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's Peace & Justice Project.
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