Nine arrests at Tommy Robinson demonstration after thousands demonstrate in London

Do you really support
independent journalism

Find out moreClose

Our mission is to provide unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds the powerful to account and exposes the truth.

Whether it’s $5 or $50, every contribution counts.

Support us in practicing journalism without an agenda.

At least nine people were arrested following a Tommy Robinson march that sparked clashes between protesters, counter-protesters and emergency services in London.

Around 1,000 police officers were mobilised on Saturday to “keep the peace” in the capital as three demonstration marches involving thousands of people took place simultaneously.

Events included a ‘Stand Up To Racism’ march, a ‘Uniting The Kingdom’ demonstration organised by far-right activist and founder of the English Defence League, Mr Robinson, and a trans pride protest.

In an updated report late Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said two men had been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after a participant in the Stand Up To Racism protest was attacked by two suspects and suffered a head injury.

Officials added that another citizen was “arrested on suspicion of assaulting a steward at Trans Pride.”

Another was “arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and racially motivated public disorder after allegedly tearing up a Palestinian flag and making a racially offensive remark.”

A fifth was arrested “on suspicion of assaulting a paramedic and racially motivated disorder after a police officer was kicked.”

Police later added: “A further four people were arrested outside a pub in Whitehall on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers. Four officers were attacked. Fortunately, no one suffered serious injuries.”

It was also said that several videos containing racist and anti-Islamic slogans were being investigated.

The police had already used their powers under the Public Order Act to keep the warring groups apart, fearing serious unrest.

Police Commissioner Colin Wingrove, who was in charge of the operation this weekend, warned earlier in the day that police would “take decisive action” to deal with protesters who disregard strict restrictions on the time and place of their demonstration.

Protesters at the event organised by Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, marched from the Royal Courts of Justice to Trafalgar Square at 12.45pm.

At the event, billed as “the biggest patriotic rally Britain has ever seen”, protesters could be heard chanting “England” and “Rule Britannia” as well as Robinson’s name. Israeli flags were also waved at the event.

A man walked past the protest in the square carrying a Palestinian flag and boos could be heard from those present. Some attempted to pursue the man as he was escorted down Cockspur Street by a group of Met officers.

Just a few hundred metres away, protesters from the Stand Up To Racism campaign marched from Russell Square to Whitehall, holding placards calling for an end to British arms supplies to Israel.

The counter-protest, which began at 1.30pm, was carried out with the support of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and eleven other unions, as well as Jeremy Corbyn’s Stop the War Coalition, the Peace & Justice Project and Unite Against Fascism.

Mr Robinson, who caused controversy by holding counter-demonstrations to the pro-Palestinian marches on Armistice Day last November, was photographed here addressing the crowd in Trafalgar Square.

Among the crowds at the event was actor and political activist Lawrence Fox.