Crowds gather in central London for rival protests led by Tommy Robinson and ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn | UK News
Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters gathered to protest in central London on Saturday.
The far-right activist, whose actual title is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, organised the ‘unity’ march from the Royal Courts of Justice to Trafalgar Square.
Some 1,000 Met Police officers have been deployed to observe the occasion, which sparked a counter demonstration by Jeremy Corbyn’s Peace & Justice group, Stand Up To Racism, amongst others.
Crowds of Tommy Robinson supporters in Trafalgar Square. Pic: PA
Tommy Robinson addresses crowds in Trafalgar Square. Pic: PA
The counter-protesters marched from Russell Square to Whitehall, supported by numerous commerce unions, the Stop The War coalition, Unite Against Fascism, and others.
Mr Robinson’s supporters stuffed up The Strand waving the flags of England, Scotland, Wales, and the UK exterior the Royal Courts of Justice.
Chants have been heard of “Rule Britannia”, Mr Robinson’s title, and “we want our country back”.
One man was seen with a T-shirt that learn: “I identify as English”, whereas others had Donald Trump merchandise.
A lady on the ‘patriotic rally’ on Saturday. Pic: PA
Pic: PA
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When they reached Trafalgar Square, a band carried out to protesters and Mr Robinson addressed the crowds.
Ahead of the march, the far-right activist rallied his followers on social media early on Saturday, claiming: “Today the individuals of Britain will ship a message to the world.
“We will stay silent now not. WE WANT OUR COUNTRY BACK.”
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Protesters exterior the Royal Courts of Justice in London
Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, who’s in cost of this weekend’s operation, warned that police will “intervene decisively” to take care of protesters who break the strict situations about when and the place they’re allowed to display.
He added a “significant number” of officers are on obligation as a part of “a carefully planned operation” in an effort to maintain individuals secure and forestall crime.
