Crowds gathered in central London for a march led by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Approximately 1,000 police officers were deployed to maintain peace due to expected counter-demonstrations. Protesters in the Strand were seen wearing clothing and holding flags representing the Union, English, Scottish, and Welsh flags, chanting slogans like “Rule Britannia” and “We want our country back” along with Mr. Robinson’s name.
One demonstrator even climbed on top of a phone box, while others held placards with messages like “Not far right, just right”. Additionally, several Israeli flags were flown during the protest. Mr. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, had shared a post prior to the event, claiming it would be the “biggest patriotic rally the UK has ever seen”.
The protest was planned to start at the Royal Courts of Justice and culminate in a rally at Trafalgar Square. In response, a counter-protest by Stand Up To Racism and Jeremy Corbyn’s Peace & Justice Project, supported by various groups including the Trade Union Congress and 11 trade unions, was set to march from Russell Square to a rally in Whitehall. The police had already taken measures under the Public Order Act to prevent clashes between the groups.
Chief Superintendent Colin Wingrove, overseeing the operation, emphasized the police’s priority of maintaining peace and ensuring the safety of all protesters. He warned of decisive police action against any violations of protest conditions, crimes, or incidents that may arise during the demonstrations. The goal was to create a safe environment for everyone in London, deterring any form of intimidation or hate speech.
In addition to these demonstrations, a Trans Pride event featuring a march and speeches was also scheduled for the same day. Unlike the other protests, no specific conditions were imposed in advance for the Trans Pride event. The police encouraged anyone feeling unsafe or witnessing any incidents to approach an officer for assistance.
Overall, the events in central London on that day showcased a mix of political and social activism, with different groups expressing their beliefs and causes through peaceful demonstrations. The heavy police presence and proactive measures aimed to prevent any potential conflicts and maintain order throughout the day.
