Central London has been brought to a standstill today as huge crowds gather for Unite the Kingdom, a patriotic rally organised by campaigner Tommy Robinson.
The event followed the fatal shooting of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah earlier this week, which has drawn widespread attention and tributes from supporters around the world.
Supporters carrying Union and national flags of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales began assembling along the Southbank in the morning before moving toward Whitehall. Many carried placards with messages including “Stop the Boats,” “Charlie Kirk RIP,” and “Save Our Children.”
Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, posted on X shortly before 1pm claiming he had heard police estimates of “3 million patriots on the streets.”
Exact figures are unknown but independent analysts using AI technology to study aerial news footage suggests turnout “easily exceeds a million.”
Alongside the crowds in London, Robinson’s livestream on X is also drawing significant attention, with more than a million people watching online at 3pm on X.
Guest Speakers and Tributes
Robinson has urged attendees not to wear masks, drink alcohol, or engage in violence. “This is about showing unity and patriotism,” he told the rally.
The event has been billed as “the UK’s biggest free speech festival” and is featuring guest speakers including TV presenter Ant Middleton, Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson, Advance UK leader Ben Habib and commentator Katie Hopkins. Many supporters are holding up photographs of Charlie Kirk, with speeches describing the rally as both a tribute to him and a call for national unity.
Dispute Over Numbers
The size of the rally remains contested. “Of course the lefty Met Police would [downplay it]. Anything to try and undermine this amazing patriotic movement. Bad luck, Met, we don’t care. People can see with their own eyes. The turnout is amazing. The biggest London has ever seen.” one organiser said.
The Metropolitan Police acknowledged that crowd estimates would vary between its figures, those of organisers, and AI-based analysis.
Photo credits: Chris Clowes.
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