Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central London on Saturday for an anti far-right march organised by Together Alliance.
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Protesters began assembling around 13:00 GMT before marching through the capital’s streets carrying banners with messages including “fight ignorance not immigrants” and “reject racist lies”.
Large crowds march through central London
Organisers said as many as 500,000 people joined the demonstration. The Metropolitan Police Service estimated the turnout at roughly 50,000, noting that an exact count was difficult due to the spread of crowds across several areas.
The march passed through central districts before converging near Whitehall for speeches and events.
Arrests and police operations during protest
Police said two protesters were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and causing a public nuisance after allegedly attempting to climb pillars near Trafalgar Square.
Authorities later reported five additional arrests during the day as officers began clearing the demonstration area shortly after 17:00, the time police had set for the protest to end.
Separately, 18 people were arrested at a demonstration outside New Scotland Yard on suspicion of supporting the activist group Palestine Action.
Police also intervened earlier in the afternoon after counter-protesters appeared on Pall Mall along the main march route. Officers said the intervention prevented a possible breach of the peace.
Politicians and celebrities support rally
Several public figures backed the event, including comedian Lenny Henry and singer Paloma Faith. Musician Billy Bragg was expected to attend, while Leigh‑Anne Pinnock was scheduled to perform at a related event in Trafalgar Square.
A video message from Sadiq Khan was also planned for the gathering at Whitehall.
Political figures attending included Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, Diane Abbott of the Labour Party and Zack Polanski.
Participants carried banners representing teachers’ unions, public service workers and fire brigades, alongside pro-immigration messages from groups across the United Kingdom.
Demonstration follows earlier far-right rally
The protest comes months after a large demonstration organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
That rally, held in London in September 2025 and titled Unite the Kingdom, drew between 110,000 and 150,000 people, according to estimates at the time.
Police reported several arrests during that earlier event after tensions escalated and objects were thrown at officers, leaving some injured.
Saturday’s march was partly organised in response to what campaigners say is growing support for far-right movements.
Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of Together Alliance, said organisers believe most people in Britain oppose racism and division and want to challenge far-right groups.
The coalition says it represents more than seven million people through a network of trade unions, civil society organisations and faith groups.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 29 March 2026
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