London Rallies Draw Thousands as Pro-Palestine March and Anti-Migration Protest Converge

Two large-scale demonstrations unfolded across central London on Saturday, with pro-Palestine campaigners marking the 78th anniversary of the Nakba while a separate rally led by Tommy Robinson focused on immigration and dissatisfaction with the UK government.

The pro-Palestine demonstration, which also carried anti-racism themes, commemorated the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the creation of Israel in 1948. Organisers described the event as peaceful and centred on solidarity with Palestinians, drawing a diverse crowd that included families, activists, and supporters from multiple religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Several Jewish participants attending the march said support for Palestinian civilians should not be viewed as anti-Semitic, while speakers repeatedly argued that criticism of Israeli policies differs from hostility toward Jewish people.

Police made one arrest during the march after a man allegedly refused to remove a face covering under public order powers. The procession began later than scheduled near Exhibition Road in South Kensington before travelling through central London toward Waterloo Place. Organisers instructed participants to leave the area quickly in smaller groups at the end of the event to avoid clashes with the nearby counter-demonstration.

Elsewhere in the capital, thousands gathered for the Unite the Kingdom rally organised by Robinson. Demonstrators filled parts of Whitehall and Parliament Square carrying Union Jack and St George’s flags, alongside a smaller number of Israeli and pre-revolution Iranian flags.

Crowds at the anti-migration rally voiced frustration with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Labour government, with many expressing concern over both illegal and legal immigration, crime, and what they described as political inaction. Chants critical of the government echoed through the gathering as speakers called for stricter border controls and major political change.

Participants at the Unite the Kingdom event repeatedly rejected accusations of racism or far-right extremism, saying the demonstration was focused on protecting Britain’s future and preserving national identity.

Heavy policing kept the two rallies apart throughout the day, with officers enforcing new measures that place responsibility on organisers for extremist or hateful rhetoric delivered from stages or platforms. A limited number of arrests were reported overall despite the size of the crowds.

Large screens were installed around Parliament Square to accommodate attendees gathered further back along Whitehall during speeches at the Unite the Kingdom event.

The two demonstrations have become increasingly visible fixtures in Britain’s political landscape, reflecting deep divisions over the Israel-Gaza conflict, immigration, and national identity. Organisers of the pro-Palestine march highlighted the participation of Muslims, Jews, and Christians together as evidence of a broader solidarity movement.