Dramatic footage sees hundreds of supporters of the controversial campaigner<\/a> gathering in the capital, with several Union Jacks and St George’s Crosses being flown, worn and waved. Counter-demonstrations by more left-wing supporters also get underway.<\/p>\n Volunteers could be seen in high-vis jackets holding back protestors, but this did not stop people from showing off their pride in the sporting the British flag. Several people could be seen wearing the St George’s flag<\/a> \u2014 together with the Union Jack \u2014 embroidered onto suits.<\/p>\n The demonstrations began just after midday on Saturday (September 13). However, counter-protests against the gathering have also been organised by the Stand Up to Racism charity \u2014 with backing from the Hope not Hate organisation \u2014 calling for a huge turnout against the original demonstration.<\/p>\n Over 50,000 people gathered in Stamford Street, in front of London’s Waterloo train station, where the march began. Meanwhile, the counter-protest would begin at Russell Square and only have several hundred people join in opposition to the far-right activist’s event.<\/p>\n Police<\/a> have warned people to prepare for disruption across the capital, as 1,600 officers from across the country are being drafted in to maintain peace between the two rival camps. Together with some potentially violent football games being played, the Met Police<\/a> have admitted their resources will be put to the test.<\/p>\n Both protests are set to march throughout the city, before ending on opposite sides of Whitehall, where Downing Street is located. Both camps will read off speeches, and feature rallies from prominent figures; with Tommy’s rally set to feature the likes of Katie Hopkins, as well as controversial far-right politicians from across Europe.<\/p>\n Professional loudmouth and former Apprentice<\/a> star Katie would go on to lead the protests, together with former actor-turned-right-wing-politician Laurence Fox<\/a>. They were also joined by Tommy himself, as well as former SAS: Who Dares Wins presenter Ant Middleton.<\/p>\n However, some protestors were rather bemused at the number of demonstrations taking place across the city, as the chief reporter for the Mirror took to social media to reveal two far-right demonstrators had accidentally joined the counter-demonstration. They wrote: “Two Tommy Robinson supporters have just joined the wrong rally! A policeman pointed out their error and the two men scuttled off rather embarrassed.”<\/p>\n The major protest came amid condemnation from the ruling Labour Party, as veteran MP Diane Abbott slammed the decision to hold the event in the first place. Speaking to Sky News, Diane \u2014 who will be giving a speech at the counterprotest \u2014 said: “We need to show that we are united.<\/p>\n “They are talking nonsense. It is a dangerous lie to try and say that men of colour are a threat to women; it is a dangerous lie and we need to squash it.”<\/p>\n![\"Tommy](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_Tommy-RobinsonStephen-Yaxley-LennonUnite-the-Kingdomanti-facistmarch.jpg\")
Hundreds of people have donned Union Jacks and St George’s Crosses as part of the protest(Image: Tim Merry\/Staff Photographer)<\/p>\n![\"Police](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1_Free-Speeech-Festival-in-London.jpg\")
The Met Police admitted their resources were being put to the test(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Tommy](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/1757768905_736_0_Tommy-Robinson-attends-Court-Hearing-in-London.jpg\")
Tommy Robinson was seen leading the demonstration, together with Katie Hopkins and Laurence Fox(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Protests\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/0_Free-Speeech-Festival-in-London.jpg\")
Veteran Labour MP Diane Abbott slammed the demonstration as “nonsense” ahead of a speech at the counter-demonstration(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)<\/p>\n