On September 13 (local time), a large-scale anti-immigration rally organized by far-right groups took place in central London.
According to major foreign media outlets such as the BBC and The Guardian, approximately 110,000 supporters (according to police estimates) gathered at the rally organized by British far-right activist Tommy Robinson under the slogan "Unite the Kingdom." Protesters assembled around Whitehall in the city center, waving the British flag, the red and white St. George's Cross representing England, the Scottish Cross, and the Welsh flag, while chanting slogans criticizing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Participants carried placards and flags with anti-illegal immigration slogans such as "Stop the Boats" and "Deport Them." Some attendees appeared with American and Israeli flags or wore "MAGA (Make America Great Again)" hats associated with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Far-right politicians from France, Germany, and Denmark also attended the rally, emphasizing solidarity with the British far-right movement. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, who has publicly supported the British far-right party, delivered a speech via video link. Musk stated, "I believe a change of government is absolutely necessary in the UK. Regardless of when the next election is, we cannot wait any longer," adding, "Parliament should be dissolved and a new vote should be held." In response to the far-right rally, an anti-fascist protest organized by anti-racism groups took place near Russell Square. About 5,000 participants held placards with slogans such as "Women Against the Far Right," "Oppose Tommy Robinson," and "Refugees Welcome."
The London police deployed more than 1,600 officers across the city to prepare for possible clashes or emergencies between the two sides. During the rally, some protesters clashed with the police. The police announced that, so far, nine participants from the far-right rally have been arrested.
Foreign media reported that as the UK processes a record number of asylum applications, immigration has emerged as a major political issue, overtaking concerns about economic recession. So far this year, the number of illegal immigrants crossing the English Channel in small boats has reached 28,000.
The UK and France, which have long been at odds over illegal immigration issues across the English Channel, will begin repatriating migrants for the first time next week under the "One in, one out" agreement signed in July. This agreement, reached during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to the UK, stipulates that the UK will return illegal migrants who crossed the English Channel in small boats to France, while allowing the same number of migrants to seek asylum in the UK.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
