On 13 September, London’s streets were the site of a sweeping anti-migration protest. More than 150,000 people gathered under slogans like “Unite the Kingdom” and “reclaiming the country.” The event was led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, who said it represented a cultural revolution in Great Britain. Many observers called the protest one of the largest in recent decades in the United Kingdom.

In recent weeks and months, smaller anti-migration demonstrations had been occurring throughout the UK—especially targeting migrants arriving by small boats via the English Channel. Frustration over rising migration had been growing among ordinary citizens for some time. On this day, that anger burst into view in a massive show of numbers.

Slogans, Songs and a Strong Nationalist Message

Protestors waved the red-and-white St. George’s Flag of England and also the Union Jack, the national flag of the United Kingdom. They filled central London streets shouting slogans including “we want our country back”, “stop the boats”, “send them home”, “enough is enough, save our children”, and “call centres, speak English.” One sign held by a person in the crowd read: “Why are white people despised when our tax money pays for everything?”

The protest also had musical elements. As part of the performances, songs included lyrics such as “Making the West look like the Middle East”—lines directed at what some saw as the rising Muslim migration into Britain. Protestors also raised flags such as those of the Muslim Brotherhood, Islamic State, and Palestine; later in the protest, those flags were torn down while the crowd cheered loudly.

One woman, Sandra Mitchell, among the protestors, said: “We want our country back and we want our free speech back on track. They need to stop illegal migration into this country.” Another protestor added: “I feel our country is being inundated with an ideology that tries to suppress us. I just want our country back.” The crowd repeatedly claimed that this gathering was not simply a far-right event, but a protest of “patriots.”

Tommy Robinson: Voice of the Rising Movement

Tommy Robinson, known for his far-right activism, emerged as the central figure at this protest. He framed the demonstration as an awakening for Britain. He said: “Britain has finally awoken and this is never going away.” His speeches suggested he wants continued, large-scale, and sustained protests until the government does more to limit migration.

Addressing the crowd, he declared: “Today is the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain. This is our moment. This is a tidal wave of patriotism.”

Support from Elon Musk and Éric Zemmour

The protest also received backing from high-profile individuals. Billionaire Elon Musk issued a video message warning of escalation and calling for the dissolution of the Keir Starmer government. In that video he said: “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die. That’s the truth, I think.”

Mr. Musk added further: “There is something beautiful about being British and what I see happening here is a destruction of Britain, initially a slow erosion, but rapidly increasing erosion of Britain with massive uncontrolled migration.”

French politician Éric Zemmour also addressed the crowd. He said: “The freedom of our peoples is in danger from a great replacement. Our European people being replaced by peoples from the South of Muslim culture.”

Silence from the Prime Minister, Warning from Home Secretary

While Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not comment publicly on the protest, the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned actions that involved violence. She warned that anyone who attacked or hurt police officers would “face the full force of the law.”

She also stated: “The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to this nation. Anyone engaging in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.”

Meanwhile, counter-demonstrations were held in support of asylum seekers. MP Diane Abbott came forward to show solidarity. She said: “These protests are racist demonstrations. They are some of the most anti-women forces in society, opposing equal pay, dismissing harassment as banter and fighting against the anti-discrimination efforts. So, we are here to stand together and defeat the fascists.”

Divided Voices Over UK Migration Debate

The United Kingdom continues to be deeply divided over migration. Anti-migration protestors claimed that migrants receive more legal protection than British citizens. They argued that Muslim migrants entering via illegal routes are causing a cultural erosion and a demographic shift in the country. On the other hand, pro-migration groups said the protestors’ actions were violent and disruptive. They also criticized foreign tech figures for intervening. These groups maintain that outsiders should not interfere in Britain’s domestic policies.