A counter-protest was organised by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s Peace & Justice Project and the Stand Up To Racism group to oppose the “patriotic rally” led by Tommy Robinson.
Saturday, July 27, 2024 5:33 PM, United Kingdom
Two men were arrested at Tommy Robinson’s rally in London on Saturday after an anti-racism activist was assaulted, police said.
The Stand Up To Racism activist was taking part in a counter-protest when he “suffered a head injury” in Victoria Embankment Gardens, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The two men were arrested on suspicion of “assault causing serious bodily harm,” they added.
“He was given first aid by officers and will be taken to hospital for assessment,” a force spokesman said.
“We are aware of some suggestions on social media that the arrests were related to the carrying of a flag, which is not the case.”
Thousands of people took part in the ‘unity’ march from the Royal Courts of Justice to Trafalgar Square on Saturday.
Around 1,000 Metropolitan Police officers were deployed to police the event, which sparked a counter-protest by Jeremy Corbyn’s Peace & Justice group Stand Up To Racism, among others.
Counter-protesters marched from Russell Square to Whitehall, supported by a number of trade unions, the Stop The War coalition, Unite Against Fascism and others.
Supporters of Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, filled The Strand waving the flags of England, Scotland, Wales and the United Kingdom outside the Royal Courts of Justice.
Slogans such as “Rule Britannia”, Mr Robinson’s name and “we want our country back” were heard.
One man was seen wearing a T-shirt that read: “I identify as English”, while others wore Donald Trump merchandise.
Several Israeli flags were also flying. At one point, a man walked past the protesters with a Palestinian flag and was heard booing by the protesters.
They moved from the Royal Courts of Justice to a rally in Trafalgar Square at around 12.45pm.
As they arrived, a band performed and Mr. Robinson addressed the crowd.
Ahead of the march, the far-right activist rallied his supporters on social media early Saturday, saying: “Today the British people will send a message to the world.
“We will not remain silent any longer. WE WANT TO RECOVER OUR COUNTRY.”
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Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, who is in charge of this weekend’s operation, warned that police would “intervene decisively” to deal with protesters who breach strict conditions on when and where they are allowed to demonstrate.
He added that a “significant number” of officers were on duty as part of a “carefully planned operation” aimed at keeping people safe and preventing crime.
