This Saturday, a crowd is marching in central London, demanding justice for the American conservative activist and defending freedom of speech
Compartir:
On Saturday, tens of thousands of people marched through central London in a demonstration led by Tommy Robinson, a well-known British anti-illegal immigration and anti-Islam activist.
The protest, called Unite the Kingdom, was presented as a defense of freedom of expression, which has caused significant support from the British population, tired of rising crime and economic impoverishment.
Meanwhile, leftist groups organized a counter-demonstration under the slogan "Stand Up to Racism," reflecting the growing polarization in the United Kingdom around issues such as immigration, national identity, and civil rights.
Since noon, crowds began gathering in the streets south of the River Thames, then marched toward Westminster, home of the British Parliament. The demonstrators carried United Kingdom flags (the Union Jack) and the cross of St. George (England's flag).
La manifestación se concentró en el Palacio de Westminster
American and Israeli flags were also seen, as well as red hats with the slogan "Make America Great Again" (MAGA), in reference to U.S. President Donald Trump. Attendees chanted slogans against Prime Minister Keir Starmer and held signs with phrases such as "send them home," referring to illegal immigrants.
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, stated on social media that "hundreds of thousands already fill the streets of London" and presented the march as an act in defense of British freedoms.
In addition, it was observed that the demonstration paid tribute toCharlie Kirk, a U.S. conservative activist who was killed this week.
La manifestación tuvo un sentido homenaje para con Charlie Kirk
Many attendees at the march expressed their open support for Robinson and their rejection of illegal immigration. "We want to take back our country, we want to take back our freedom of expression," the demonstrators declared. "We believe in Tommy. They have to stop illegal immigration."
The London Metropolitan Police deployed more than 1,600 officers to "control" the protests, including 500 officers brought in from other regions. In addition to monitoring both demonstrations, the police had to attend to high-profile football matches and large concerts scheduled for the same day.
The police stated that the right to protest would be guaranteed, but with a firm hand against any crime. The police unusually clarified that they would respond to possible incidents of "Islamophobic rhetoric and offensive chants," as has happened in previous protests.
El activista político británico Tommy Robinson, lideró la marcha
This event takes place amid an increasingly tense political environment in the United Kingdom, where illegal immigration has displaced the economy as the most urgent issue in public opinion, as well as having displaced the majority of native Britons.
To date, more than 28,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats, generating a strong national debate. In this context, nationalist symbols have multiplied: English flags hanging from balconies, graffiti on streets, and "British pride" posters, which left-wing activists interpret as a sign of "exclusion and hostility" toward foreigners.
