LONDON: Condemning the violent attacks on police officers during the large-scale far-right rally called “Unite the Kingdom,” led by activist Tommy Robinson in London, UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has said that those who engaged in criminal activity would be prosecuted.
Mahmood praised the majority of peaceful protesters but made it clear that anyone involved in criminal activity would face legal consequences. She posted on X: “Anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.”
Twenty-six officers were injured, including four seriously. Among the injuries were broken teeth, a concussion, a possible broken nose, and a spinal injury. At least 25 people were arrested for offenses such as violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage. The investigation is ongoing, according to the Metropolitan Police.
The protests, organized by far-right activist Robinson, began at Russell Square before marching toward Whitehall. Demonstrators, many waving English flags and Union Jacks, voiced opposition to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, criticized the government’s immigration policies, and expressed concerns over restrictions on free speech.
The event, which was billed as a rally for free speech, turned violent when clashes broke out between Robinson’s supporters and police officers. Robinson’s supporters engaged in physical confrontations with officers who were separating them from counter protesters.
Robinson wrote on X: “We came, we saw, we conquered. Millions hit central London in a show of patriotic unity like nothing seen before. A cultural revolution has begun. The future belongs to us. This one is for you, Charlie Kirk.”
More than 1,000 police officers were deployed, and reinforcements with riot shields and helmets were called in to manage the unrest.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist expressed his gratitude to the officers involved and described the violence as “wholly unacceptable.” He noted that while many attended the protest peacefully, others were “intent on violence”.
He said, “They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.”
“This was a challenging operation, and the violence faced by officers was unacceptable. We are already identifying those involved in the disorder, and they can expect robust action in the coming days and weeks,” Twist said.
The clashes occurred as Robinson’s supporters attempted to break through security lines separating them from a counter-demonstration organized by “Stand Up to Racism.”
Matt Twist said, “The 25 arrests we have made so far is just the start. Our post-event investigation has already begun -we are identifying those who were involved in the disorder and they can expect to face robust police action in the coming days and weeks.”
Agencies