Tens of thousands of protesters flooded central London on Saturday during separate far-right and pro-Palestine demonstrations that triggered one of the largest security operations in recent years.
The pro-Palestine rally was organised to mark Nakba Day, commemorating the displacement of Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948, while the far-right march was linked to activist Tommy Robinson and his “Unite the Kingdom” campaign.
Police deployed about 4,000 officers across the British capital, supported by drones, helicopters, mounted units and armoured vehicles, as authorities sought to prevent clashes between rival groups.
Officials estimated attendance at roughly 80,000 people, including about 50,000 participants at the far-right rally and another 30,000 at the pro-Palestine march.
By midday, authorities confirmed at least 11 arrests related to public order offences and warned that strict enforcement measures would remain in place throughout the demonstrations.
The Metropolitan Police Service said it would adopt a “zero-tolerance” approach to hate speech, inflammatory placards and violent behaviour during the marches. Live facial recognition technology was also reportedly used for the first time during a major protest operation in London.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned ahead of the demonstrations that anyone attempting to incite violence or intimidate the public would face “the full force of the law.”
The government also barred several foreign far-right figures from entering the United Kingdom ahead of the rally, citing security concerns.
Meanwhile, anti-racism campaign group Stand Up to Racism joined the Nakba Day protest in solidarity with Palestinians and to oppose rising far-right activism in Britain.
The demonstrations come amid growing political tension in the UK following recent electoral gains by the right-wing Reform UK party and increasing debate over immigration, national identity and the war in Gaza.
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