Mass demonstration in London: 110,000 citizens demand an end to migration!

Mass demonstration in London: 110,000 citizens demand an end to migration!

On Saturday 13 September 2025, one of the largest right-wing demonstrations in recent British history took place in London. The rally was organized by anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, who is known for having founded the English Defense League. According to London police, around 110,000 people took part in the march, with demonstrators demanding tougher asylum policies with slogans such as “Send them home” and “Stop the boats”.

The event, which Robinson said was a “celebration of freedom of expression,” was accompanied by numerous violent clashes. Police officers were met with “unacceptable force” as they tried to keep protesters on the approved route. During the march there were clashes in which emergency services were attacked with bottles, flares and other projectiles. Nine people have been arrested so far, with more arrests likely. The police were deployed with over 1,600 officers to control the situation, especially due to simultaneous football matches and concerts in the city.

Support and political messages

The demonstration also attracted international attention. Elon Musk, speaking via video link, called for a change of government in Great Britain. Robinson also received support from prominent right-wing populists such as Steve Bannon and Éric Zemmour. AfD MEP Petr Bystron also expressed his solidarity with the demonstrators. Those gathered waved flags of England, Britain, the US and Israel while chanting slogans against Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Parallel to this large demonstration, a counter-demonstration took place under the motto “Stand up against racism” with around 5,000 participants. This opposed the racist statements and aggressive rhetoric that was loud during the main rally. According to sociologist Aleksandra Lewicki from the University of Sussex, British migration policy has been a central topic in political debate for years. More than 28,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel into Britain this year, further fueling tensions in society.

Cultural and social resistance

The British political landscape is currently highly polarized. Racist riots are sometimes encouraged by the extreme right-wing positions of the majority parties, such as the Conservative Party. Suella Braverman, a former interior minister, spoke of an “invasion” of refugees and even called for withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights. Such statements contribute to the poisoning of the social climate and reinforce anti-Muslim and anti-Eastern European racism.

Although the Labor government faces ongoing criticism and has, among other things, abolished inhumane accommodation options for asylum seekers, it continues to implement strict immigration laws. This is leading to anti-racist movements having a stronger voice in cities like Brighton, while violence and racism are increasing in other parts of the country. Historical parallels to previous racist riots cannot be overlooked, particularly with regard to arson attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers.

The events on Saturday in London not only reflect the tensions surrounding the issue of migration, they are also the result of a political winter marked by crises, unfulfilled promises of Brexit and rising costs of living. An honest discussion about the need for immigration and moving away from restrictive rhetoric seems more urgent than ever.