United Kingdom: Mass rally expected in London called by far-right activist Tommy Robinson

Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather in London this Saturday at the call of British far-right figure Tommy Robinson for what he is calling a rally "for freedom of expression," a topic that is stirring public debate in the United Kingdom.

A counter-protest organized by the anti-racism organization Stand Up To Racism UK is scheduled to take place at the same time around midday in the center of the British capital. London police said they would deploy around 1,000 officers to ensure that "both demonstrations proceed peacefully."

"March for Charlie Kirk"

Tommy Robinson , 42, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is the founder of the former English Defence League, a small group from the hooligan movement. "March for your country, march for freedom, march for your children and march for Charlie Kirk ," he declared on X on Thursday, referring to the American conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, a standard-bearer for Trump's youth, who was shot dead in the United States on Wednesday .

Known for his anti-immigration and anti-Islam stance, Tommy Robinson has been convicted several times, including for public disorder. He was jailed in 2018 for contempt of court, and again in 2024 for repeating defamatory remarks about a refugee. Released in May, he received support from American billionaire Elon Musk .

Zemmour in the procession

Several mobilizations by his supporters have in the past brought together thousands or even tens of thousands of people, such as in July 2024 when there were between 20,000 and 30,000, according to estimates from the anti-racism organization Hope Not Hate.

For months, Tommy Robinson has been touting this rally as "the largest ever dedicated to freedom of expression." Participants are expected to meet at 11:00 a.m. (12:00 p.m. Paris time) before marching toward Whitehall, the heart of the country's political power.

Organizers have announced the attendance of several British and foreign right-wing and far-right figures, including Steve Bannon, former adviser to US President Donald Trump . Eric Zemmour , president of the French far-right Reconquest party, has confirmed his attendance.

This meeting comes after a summer marked by anti-immigration demonstrations in front of hotels housing asylum seekers, widely relayed on social networks by the activist.