LONDON (Dispatches) — In a chilling display of Britain’s accelerating slide toward far-right nationalism and authoritarianism, more than 100,000 demonstrators packed London’s streets on Saturday for a march organized by Tommy Robinson, one of the UK’s most notorious far-right activists.
The event, branded as “Unite the Kingdom,” exposed the deepening fractures in British society and highlighted a broader European trend toward xenophobia, nationalism, and open fascism.
The rally was held amid a surge of nationalist sentiment following the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a close ally of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has long been a symbol of Britain’s far-right resurgence. Known for his virulent anti-migrant rhetoric and nationalist extremism, Robinson has played a central role in normalizing hate speech and fostering division.
Despite a criminal record that includes convictions for assault, mortgage fraud, and contempt of court for spreading libelous claims against refugees, he remains a magnet for tens of thousands who see him as a defender of “British heritage” against what they portray as an invasion by migrants.
The vast crowd chanting slogans like “we want our country back” waved St. George’s flags and Union Jacks, symbols increasingly co-opted by nationalist movements across the UK and Europe to signal exclusion and racialized identity politics.
Signs reading “stop the boats,” “send them home,” and “enough is enough, save our children” revealed the deeply xenophobic core of the rally, with migrants scapegoated as threats to national security and cultural identity.
Kirk’s death at a university event in Utah became a rallying cry for the far right, with Robinson declaring on social media that “the bastard who has murdered him, or the organization, the corporation or the government it is that has killed him,” fueling conspiracy theories and anger among supporters. 
Hundreds gathered in London to mourn Kirk, whose memory was invoked repeatedly during the rally as a symbol of the struggle against what the far right calls “the establishment.”
The protest was a stark reminder of how migration and race have become toxic flashpoints exploited by far-right groups across Europe. The UK’s recent surge in anti-migrant sentiment, inflamed by government failures and sensationalist media, echoes similar patterns in countries like France, Germany, Hungary, and Italy, 
where right-wing parties have gained ground by stirring fear and hatred toward refugees and minorities.
While Robinson claimed the march was about “free speech,” his rhetoric and the crowd’s chants reveal a far more sinister agenda—one that aims to undermine democratic norms, silence dissent, and legitimize hatred. The fact that over 1,000 police officers were deployed to keep opposing groups apart shows the level of tension and volatility this movement fuels.
Counterprotesters, gathered under the banner of “March Against Fascism,” called out the rise of fascist tendencies with signs declaring “refugees welcome” and “smash the far right.” Their presence underscores the fierce resistance from anti-fascist and civil rights activists determined to challenge the normalization of hate and extremism.
This march comes amid a growing crisis over migrants crossing the English Channel in overcrowded boats—an issue politicians have weaponized to stir division rather than address humanitarian needs. The brutal scapegoating of asylum seekers, especially following the arrest of an Ethiopian man convicted of assault, has ignited waves of anti-migrant protests across the UK this summer, some turning violent.
What we are witnessing is not merely a protest about immigration but a disturbing embrace of fascist ideology taking root in mainstream discourse. The flag-waving nationalism, the demonization of minorities, the calls for exclusion and “sending them home”—all these elements are hallmarks of a broader fascist wave sweeping Europe, threatening to unravel democratic institutions and fuel racial and ethnic violence.
Robinson’s role as founder of the English Defense League and his continued influence within far-right circles underscore how deeply embedded these extremist ideologies have become. His call for supporters to avoid violence and masks was tactical, designed to make the movement appear more palatable and legitimate—but the toxic, hateful core remains.
Britain’s descent into this dark political territory is part of a larger European crisis, where economic instability, social anxieties, and fractured political landscapes have opened the door for far-right movements to push their agenda.
From Hungary’s Viktor Orbán to Italy’s Matteo Salvini, from France’s Marine Le Pen to Germany’s AfD, Europe is witnessing a worrying revival of authoritarian nationalism and xenophobia.
Saturday’s events in London were more than just a clash of opposing demonstrations—they were a stark reminder that fascism, once thought defeated, is reemerging in the heart of Europe.
Unless there is a concerted effort to challenge these forces—through education, political engagement, and a recommitment to democratic values—the UK and Europe risk sliding further into division, hate, and authoritarian rule.