Police and protesters clash at ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally
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Elon Musk’s speech at a march organised by Tommy Robinson – in which he told attendees to “either fight back or you die” – has been denounced as “inappropriate” and “disgusting”.
The X owner claimed a “dissolution of parliament” and a “change of government” is needed in the UK when he appeared via video link at the huge march on Saturday in London.
The speech has sparked criticism, including from the business secretary Peter Kyle, who said the comments were “slightly incomprehensible” and “totally inappropriate”.
A Labour source also said that politicians who believe in democracy “should distance themselves from these disgusting comments”.
Between 110,000 to 150,000 protesters were estimated to have joined the “Unite the Kingdom” rally, while the Metropolitan Police said around 5,000 people were at an anti-racism counter-protest organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR), with over 1,000 officers deployed in a bid to prevent clashes.
The force said 25 people have been arrested so far, after 26 officers were injured– including four who were seriously hurt – in scenes of “unacceptable violence”.
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Dozens of police officers injured and 25 arrests as huge Tommy Robinson rally marred by violencePolice and protesters clash at ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rallyWho is Tommy Robinson: From apprentice aircraft engineer to right-wing activist
Key Points
Met Police says 25 arrests made, and 25 officers were injuredStarmer 'will not stand' for violence against police or 'intimidation' on streetsElon Musk tells Tommy Robinson protesters ‘fight back or die’Lib Dem leader Ed Davey condemns Elon MuskLabour describes Musk's comments as 'disgusting'Up to 150,000 estimated to have attended rally
16 minutes ago
Pictured: Over 100,000 people attend Unite the Kingdom rally
(AP)
(Lucy North/PA Wire)
(AP)
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 17:27
1 hour ago
What is Tommy Robinson's criminal record?
In 2018, he was jailed for 13 months for breaking contempt of court laws with a Facebook Live video that could have prejudiced a trial.
He was already subject to a suspended sentence for committing contempt during a rape trial in Canterbury the year before.
Three years later, as The Independent investigated reports he misused donors’ cash, he shouted abuse at the home of the journalist involved, defamed her partner and threatened to return. Convicted of stalking, he was banned from contacting them for five years.
In 2022, he spent ￡100,000 gambling before declaring bankruptcy, the High Court heard.
(AFP via Getty Images)
Amid the far-right riots in summer 2024, Robinson organised what he claimed would be the “biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen”. Thousands of Robinson’s supporters gathered in central London for the counter-protest to a Stand Up To Racism march.
But Robinson missed his own event after being arrested in July 2024 under anti-terror laws over allegations he breached a 2021 High Court order. The order banned Robinson from repeating libellous allegations he made against Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi.
Robinson was later jailed for 18 months in October 2024. In April 2025, Tommy Robinson lost an appeal to reduce his jail term over claims prison segregation was “making him ill”.
However, he was released in May 2025, after his sentence was reduced by four months at the High Court.
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 16:27
2 hours ago
Watch: Thousands turn out for Tommy Robinson rally in central London
Thousands turn out for Tommy Robinson rally in central London
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 15:30
3 hours ago
Starmer 'will not stand' for violence against police or 'intimidation' on streets
The prime minister has said he “will not stand” for violence against police or for people feeling “intimidated on our streets” after yesterday’s march.
Sir Keir Starmer said that he will “never surrender” the use of the British flag to be used as a “symbol of violence, fear and division”.
He wrote on X: “People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country’s values.
“But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.
“Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect.
“Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.”
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 14:40
3 hours ago
Whitehall riot is a 'wake up call', antiracist group says
The Tommy Robinson protest is "one of the biggest far right marches in British history" and "an urgent wake-up call for us all", according to the antiracist group Stand Up to Racism.
Police estimates suggest the protest gathered over 100,000 people.
This is "the biggest number of people" Tommy Robinson has mobilised, "and goes beyond his usual base," the group warned.
"We need far bigger numbers. We need hundreds of thousands," the group said, calling for "campaigners, trade unionists, politicians, faith groups and others" to come together to build the unity needed to "stop the far right on the streets and at the ballot box".
(Zhanna Manukyan/PA Wire)
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 14:29
4 hours ago
Starmer spotted watching Arsenal at Emirates Stadium as protester violence erupts
Keir Starmer was spotted at the Emirates Stadium in London on Saturday, as violent clashes broke out between police and demonstrators in the centre of the city.
The prime minister and his son were seen in the stands watching his favourite football team Arsenal play against Nottingham Forest in a Premier League match.
(Action Images via Reuters)
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 13:30
5 hours ago
Full story: Dozens of officers injured as Tommy Robinson rally marred by violence
Dozens of police officers injured as huge Tommy Robinson rally marred by violence
Twenty-six police officers hurt as MPs condemn ‘far-right thugs’ and Elon Musk’s calls for ‘dissolution of parliament’
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 12:34
5 hours ago
James frontman ‘disgusted’ after Tommy Robinson uses indie band song ‘Sit Down’ at protest
The frontman of the band James has said the group is examining its options after Tommy Robinson used its song in a video without permission.
The far-right figure used the indie band’s smash hit ‘Sit Down’ in a video posted on X to highlight the size of the protest he organised in London on Saturday.
But James frontman Tim Booth hit back in his own post on X, describing the far-right rally as the “antithesis” of what his band’s song stands for.
He wrote: “Disgusted to see the cynical use of ‘Sit Down’ by @TRobinsonNewEra.
“No permission was granted, and we are looking into our options.
“The song and most of our topical lyrics, make it very clear where we stand, and it’s the antithesis of this organization.”
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 11:49
6 hours ago
Who spoke at the rally?
As well as Elon Musk appearing on a video, the “Unite” protest featured speeches from Tommy Robinson and other activists, including former actor Laurence Fox, former Apprentice candidate Katie Hopkins, along with musical performers.
It also featured far-right French politician Eric Zemmour, who came in fourth place in the first round of the 2022 French presidential election; leader of the Danish People’s Party Morten Messerschmidt; Petr Bystron of the far-right Alternative for Germany party; Polish right-wing politician Dominik Tarczynski; Belgian anti-immigration activist Filip Dewinter; and television personality Ant Middleton who is running to be Mayor of London.
Katie Hopkins and Tommy Robinson take part in the Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march and rally (Lucy North/PA)(PA Wire)
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 11:20
6 hours ago
Met Police forced to correct Musk's AI 'Grok' tool
The Met Police have stepped in to correct misinformation posted by X’s AI ‘Grok’ tool.
One X user posted a video of ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protesters clashing with police at yesterday’s rally, and asked ‘Grok’ when and where the footage was taken.
‘Grok’ replied: “This footage appears to be from an anti-lockdown protest in London's Trafalgar Square on September 26, 2020, during clashes between demonstrators and police over COVID restrictions.”
The Met Police replied stating: “The footage was filmed yesterday, shortly before 3pm, at the junction of Whitehall and Horse Guards Avenue in Westminster. It is not from 2020 and does not show Trafalgar Square.”
It also shared its original post from Saturday.
Athena Stavrou14 September 2025 11:05
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