Protesters are gathering in support of far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson in central London today, with counter-demonstrators also assembling as the Metropolitan Police deploy extra officers to keep the opposing groups apart.
Hundreds gathered at midday outside Waterloo station, many wearing "MEGA – Make England Great Again" hats and "I am Tommy" stickers. The crowd, assembled near the Wellington Pub, is carrying England and UK flags while chanting "Oh Tommy, Tommy" and "we want Tommy out."
Six arrests have been made so far at the protests - one after flares were set off during the Stand Up To Racism march along Piccadilly, another near Waterloo when an officer was spat at, and three in Whitehall after Robinson supporters breached police lines to enter the counter-protest area.
The "Stop the Isolation" march moved from Waterloo to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge, while a counter-protest by Stand Up To Racism approached from Piccadilly Circus.
The Metropolitan Police restricted pedestrian access in Whitehall and deployed officers to separate the groups.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed for 18 months in October after admitting to breaching a High Court injunction that barred him from repeating libellous claims about a Syrian refugee.
Anyone not involved in the protests is advised to avoid the area between Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square.
Live coverage ends
21:18 , Jacob PhillipsThe Evening Standard’s live coverage has ended.
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Recap: Tommy Robinson supporters blast Rule, Britannia! and chant 'We want our country back'
19:54 , Jacob PhillipsThousands of Tommy Robinson supporters descended on Westminster on Saturday.
At one point protesters carried a banner reading “free political prisoners” and “stop the isolation” while Rule, Britannia! was played through loudspeakers.
Supporters also chanted “We want Tommy out” and “We want our country back” as they crossed Westminster Bridge.
Many of those present were livestreaming the demonstration on their phones.
Pictures capture Stop the Isolation and Stand Up to Racism rallies
19:01Hundreds gathered at a Stop the Isolation rally on Saturday in support of far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson.
Meanwhile, a counter-demonstration also took place. The Stand Up to Racism protest asked people to “remember history -fight fascism”.
Here are some of the key photos from the protests.
Stop the Isolation protest ends
16:59 , Jacob PhillipsThe Met Police has confirmed that the Stop the Isolation protest has ended.
The force said officers will remain near where the protest took place in Westminster to ensure any incidents can be dealt with.
The police confirmed that the Stand Up to Racism protest ended an hour earlier at around 4pm.
The Stop the Isolation protest has concluded and the crowds have mostly dispersed.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 1, 2025
Officers will remain in the Westminster area to ensure any incidents can be dealt with.
There have been no further arrests, with the total number so far today still standing at six. pic.twitter.com/NpFX65ZDsW
Six arrests made at Stop the Isolation and Stand Up To Racism rallies
16:50 , Jacob PhillipsSix people have been arrested following a march in support of Tommy Robinson and a separate counter-demonstration in central London.
The offences included an incident where a flare was set off, an arrest near Waterloo after an officer was spat at and three arrests in Whitehall after “Stop the Isolation” protesters entered the “Stand Up To Racism” rally area in breach of conditions, the Metropolitan Police said.
A further arrest was made by the force for a breach of Public Order Act conditions.
Police trying to keep opposing groups apart
15:15 , Will MataThe Met has said that it is working hard to keep both groups apart.
Both rallies are now showing sings of winding up.
“Officers continue to engage with protesters, including as they leave the rallies,” the force tweeted.
“Keeping opposing groups apart is key to avoiding disorder and keeping the public safe.”
Now five arrests across London
14:45 , Will MataThere have now been five arrests, the Met Police has said.
“These include the incident where a flare was set off, an arrest near Waterloo after an officer was spat at and three arrests in Whitehall after Stop the Isolation protesters entered the Stand Up To Racism rally area in breach of conditions.”
Both groups are now at their rally points at the end of their marches.
Man arrested as flares set off
14:38 , Will MataAs the Stand Up To Racism protest moved along Piccadilly, flares were set off and a man was arrested, the Met has said.
A statement added: “Both protests are now at their rally points at either end of Whitehall where speeches are taking place.
“There is a significant gap in the middle of Whitehall with officers and barriers ensuring both groups are kept well apart.”
Pictures: Pro Robinson marchers in London
14:35 , Will Mata
Pictures of anti racism march
14:31 , Will Mata.jpg)
Stand Up to Racism in 'good spirits'
14:20 , Will MataThe central London march against racism is in “good spirits”, a tweet has read.
Those involved made claims, that can not be verified by the Standard, that the pro Robinson marchers were being “abusive”.
The Stop the Isolation march in aid of Robinson has now reached its final point and speakers are addressing the crowd.
“The entirety of central London has just been completely shut down by 100,000+ British patriots demanding the release of Tommy Robinson,” a fan tweeted in support.
This is the front of @AntiRacismDay march in London. Great mood & we hear that far right, 'Tommy Robinson' goons being abusive to BME in Waterloo!@Searchlight_mag @LouiseRawAuthor pic.twitter.com/FaTR65E6If
— Unite Against Fascism (@uaf) February 1, 2025
Police alert as protests march through London
14:12 , Will MataThe Met has not yet flagged any incidents on either march.
The Stand Up To Racism protest has set off from St James’s Street, heading to Whitehall via Haymarket.
The Stop the Isolation protest has set off from Waterloo, heading to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge.
🧵 | Updates on today's protests in central London will be posted on this thread.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 1, 2025
The 'Stop the Isolation' protest in support of Tommy Robinson and the Stand Up To Racism protest are both forming up prior to a 1pm start.
There have been no incidents so far. pic.twitter.com/QZJdnEPXK0
Tommy Robinson supporters cross Westminster Bridge chanting ‘We want our country back’
13:45 , Sami QuadriThousands of Tommy Robinson supporters have begun to cross London’s Westminster Bridge during a “Uniting the Kingdom” demonstration.
They are chanting “We want Tommy out” and “We want our country back”.
Many of those present were livestreaming the demonstration on their phones.
Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters march towards Westminster chanting ‘We want Starmer out'
13:13Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters have begun marching towards Westminster from Waterloo station in the “Uniting the Kingdom” demonstration.
Before setting off, they sang “Rule, Britannia!” and chanted “We want Starmer out”.
Far-right ralliers wear MEGA hats
12:53 , Will MataA "Stop the Boats" flag is being carried by one protester at the Stop The Isolation rally in central London, while another reading "Britain lost a patriot - RIP Peter Lynch" was flown.
Some protesters were wearing "MEGA - Make England Great Again" hats and others have "I am Tommy" stickers.
'No incidents so far'
12:40 , Will MataThe Metropolitan Police has said there have been no incidents so far on either march.
🧵 | Updates on today's protests in central London will be posted on this thread.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 1, 2025
The 'Stop the Isolation' protest in support of Tommy Robinson and the Stand Up To Racism protest are both forming up prior to a 1pm start.
There have been no incidents so far. pic.twitter.com/QZJdnEPXK0
'Standing against racism'
12:30 , Will MataSpeaker David Rosenberg has addressed the crowd at the Stand up to Racism march - citing the need to call out Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson.
“We have to both stand against the racism of the far right but also expose the likes of Farage and Robinson to their own supporters for the grifters they are,” he said.
We have to both stand against the racism of the far right but also expose the likes of Farage and Robinson to their own supporters for the grifters they are.
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) February 1, 2025
David Rosenberg at the #StandUpToRacism counter demo. pic.twitter.com/Pow0XJoq02
Chating in support of Robinson
12:21 , Will MataChants of "Oh Tommy, Tommy" and "we want Tommy out" are being sung at the demonstration near Waterloo station in central London.
One protester is carrying a flag with "Free Tommy Robinson" written on it, while others are wearing face masks of the political activist.
Protestors chant for release of Tommy Robinson
12:19 , Will MataSupporters of Robinson are now chanting for his release.
“We want Tommy out!” they are shown to sing in a video.
Since October he has been serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
Patriots gather in London to demand the release of Tommy Robinson and the other political prisoners.
— Turning Point UK 🇬🇧 (@TPointUK) February 1, 2025
The British people reject Starmer’s tyranny! pic.twitter.com/s0F8HvCZjw
Stand Up to Racism march now in full swing
12:13 , Will MataThe Stand Up to Racism march against the Tommy Robinson rally has now started in earnest.
The movement’s joint secretary Sabby Dhalu has been filmed addressing crowds.
We stopped the far right from attacking communities in the summer & we stand in a powerful tradition of challenging the far right & fascism - now we have a big job to do. @SabbyDhalu at the start of the #StandUpToRacism march. pic.twitter.com/Jaah36M9Up
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) February 1, 2025
Protestors hold flags and banners thanking Elon Musk
12:07 , Will MataHundreds of people have gathered outside Waterloo station in central London for a demonstration in support of far-right political activist Tommy Robinson.
Many of the protesters, who are gathered next to the Wellington Pub, are carrying England and UK flags, with one person holding up a T-shirt with "Thank you Elon Musk" written on it.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was sentenced to 18 months in prison in October after he admitted 10 breaches of a High Court injunction which barred him from repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee.
The area where the counter protest must stay
12:04 , Will MataThe Metropolitan Police has defined the area where the now-gathered counter protest must stay.
The protest organised by Stand Up To Racism formed up in St James’s Street, south of Piccadilly Circus, from 11.30am.
The march is following a defined route.
March set to begin
11:59 , Will MataSupporters of far right figure Tommy Robinson are now gathered in central London, ready for the rally which begins at midday.
Hundreds gathering for march
11:44 , Will MataHundreds have now gathered for the start of the march.
Video has shown flags being waved in support outside Waterloo.
The march is set to begin at midday.
🚨BREAKING: Hundreds of British patriots in London right now demanding the release of Tommy Robinson
— Inevitable West (@Inevitablewest) February 1, 2025
The numbers are growing 🔥 pic.twitter.com/D1DDlPfQVR
March to be shown on Twitter
11:10 , Will MataThe far right march in support of Tommy Robinson will be broadcast by his support network on Twitter.
A tweet called the platform “the brand new home of freedom of speech”.
“We have much to thank Elon for.”
ADMIN POST
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) February 1, 2025
We will be livestreaming our STOP THE ISOLATION event LIVE and EXCLUSIVELY here on X.
X being the brand new home for freedom of speech.
We have much to thank Elon for.#FightForTommy #FreeTommyRobinson #FreePoliticalPrisoners #StopTheIsolation
'No trouble today'
10:45 , Will MataA video shared on the account of Tommy Robinson’s Twitter has showed enforcement bodies preparing to man the march.
“We’ve got lovely officers and they’re gonna be here... in riot gear...and there’s gonna be no trouble today,” says the person filming.
Officers are now setting up along the route before the march, whic begins at midday.
ADMIN POST
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) February 1, 2025
Today we make our voices heard for Tommy and all other political prisoners.
We come in peace, but we will be loud, and we will be proud.
The world is watching. pic.twitter.com/ONcDcAbAel
'Bringing anti-racist spirit to London's streets'
09:50 , Will MataStand Up to Racism’s march will be kept apart from the far right protestors by Met Police officers when they convene.
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co-convenor, said: "We saw the power of mobilising against the far-right in response to last summer's racist riots.
"We must bring that anti-racist spirit onto the streets of London and reject the politics of hate."
Stand Up To Racism holding counter march
07:59 , Will MataStand Up To Racism is holding a counter march, meeting at 11.30am off Piccadilly.
“It’s vital that we mobilise against Tommy Robinson supporters at this crucial moment,” the group tweeted.
They will gather on St James’s Street.
The group has pointed to recent Islamophobic attacks in London and elsewhere.
Spokesman Leanne Mohamad said: “Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has become the leading defender of Tommy Robinson and is spreading dangerous lies. Robinson has been boosted by all of this.
“We must drive the far-right off our streets. We will not be intimidated.”
📣📣 We’re delighted that more trade unions are supporting the national demonstration against the far right on Saturday 1st February. It’s vital that we mobilise against Tommy Robinson supporters at this crucial moment #1Feb #StandUpToRacism pic.twitter.com/Crjzv5cjfD
— Stand Up To Racism (@AntiRacismDay) January 24, 2025
Route of the march
07:55 , Will MataSupporters of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon are set to gather at midday outside Waterloo station.
An admin post on Robinson’s X account alleged: “Tomorrow we make a stand. Meeting at 12pm, Waterloo Station.
“We will proceed to Downing Street. Stand against the political persecution and isolation of Tommy Robinson. Visitors are now being denied entry to see him. First they came for Tommy.”
ADMIN POST.
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) January 31, 2025
Tomorrow we make a stand!
Meeting at 12pm, Waterloo Station.
We will proceed to Downing Street.
Stand against the political persecution and isolation of Tommy Robinson.
Visitors are now being denied entry to see him.
First they came for Tommy. pic.twitter.com/K2DLZKnnKq
Police 'well prepared' for protests
07:52 , Will MataCommander Louise Puddefoot, who is in charge of the weekend’s policing operation, said: “We are well prepared for these protests, having been in discussions with both sets of organisers in recent weeks.
“We have officers deployed in significant numbers to provide reassurance to the wider community, and to give us the capability to intervene swiftly and decisively if incidents of crime or disorder occur.
“Decisions on our policing style at protests, including the types of uniform worn by officers and the protective equipment available to them, are taken on a case by case basis. It allows us to be ready to respond quickly and decisively where we need to.
“Our assessment for tomorrow’s protest, based on the information available to us, is that an additional level of preparedness is required.”
Robinson has backing of Elon Musk
07:44 , Will MataElon Musk is supporting Tommy Robinson on his social media site X, formerly Twitter.
“FREE TOMMY ROBINSON NOW,” he tweeted on January 5.
The billionaire this month has launched a slew of attacks on Sir Keir Starmer and other Labour figures.
The South African-born figure’s meddling in British politics began him hitting out at the Prime Minister’s record of prosecuting child grooming gangs.
Sir Keir said those “spreading misinformation are not interested in the victims”.
Once again:
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 5, 2025
FREE TOMMY ROBINSON NOW https://t.co/pVBpoKTeLc
Met Police vows robust action
07:40 , Will MataHundreds of police officers are gearing up to respond “swiftly and decisively” as a large protest by supporters of Tommy Robinson and a counter-demonstration take place in central London today.
Under the banners “Free Tommy, “Stop the Isolation” and “Unite the Kingdom”, they plan to gather outside Waterloo Station from midday before marching towards Whitehall via Westminster Bridge.
A static assembly will then take place in Parliament Street as Metropolitan Police officers attempt to keep them separate from a protest organised by Stand Up To Racism around Piccadilly Circus, Haymarket and Trafalgar Square.
Tourists and shoppers are encouraged to use other routes to avoid the area.
