Thousands join Tommy Robinson march in London
Attendees at the Tommy Robinson rally in Trafalgar Square were seen enthusiastically waving Union and St George's flags.
Many followers of the far-right activist Tommy Robinson gathered in Trafalgar Square in the heart of London after a protest.
He said that the event was the largest display of patriotism the UK had ever witnessed.
A demonstration against racism was held in London by Stand Up To Racism and the Peace & Justice Project led by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The Metropolitan Police stated that a significant operation was being carried out to maintain order between the two protests, amidst concerns of potential disturbances.
A celebration of transgender pride took place in the city.
The Trans Pride parade assembled close to Oxford Street in the heart of London.
Surrounded by a crowd waving England and Union Jack flags, followers of Tommy Robinson listened to talks criticizing immigration and advocating for "nationalism".
The audience in Trafalgar Square erupted in applause when he inquired how many had supported Reform during the recent election.
He mentioned that he invited Nigel Farage to participate in the protest, but was informed by the Reform leader that he wouldn't be able to attend.
At the protest against racism that was close by, Jeremy Corbyn spoke and the protesters held signs saying "we are against racism, we are against hate" and shouted "we will not stay quiet".
The Metropolitan Police reported that they had detained five individuals.
Two individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of committing a serious assault after a person participating in the Stand Up To Racism protest was attacked in Victoria Embankment Gardens, according to the Metropolitan Police. The victim suffered a head injury and received medical assistance from the responding officers.
A person attending Trans Pride was taken into custody for allegedly attacking a staff member, while another individual was arrested for allegedly assaulting a first responder and committing a racist public disturbance after kicking a police officer.
A person was taken into custody for breaking a Palestinian flag and making a racist comment, which led to charges of criminal damage and a hate crime.
The Met Police has not confirmed if the five individuals who were taken into custody were involved in any of the demonstrations that took place on Saturday.
Before the protests, the police blocked off Whitehall and parked mobile units in nearby side streets around Westminster.
There were 1,000 police officers working and Scotland Yard used the Public Order Act to set specific rules for when and where the protests could happen. The police said they would still be on duty even after the protests were over.
Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, who is leading the weekend's plan, stated that authorities would take firm action to address protesters who violate the set guidelines.
He stated that the top concern is maintaining peace in order to protect the safety of those peacefully protesting within their legal rights.
People who oppose racism marched from Russell Square to a protest in Whitehall.
Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is in trouble for allegedly discussing a defamation case online that he lost in 2021. He will be facing contempt proceedings at the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday.
