London Protests 2025: What’s Going On
In 2025, London has seen multiple large protests touching on socially and politically fraught issues: immigration, Palestine, free speech, and state restrictions. These demonstrations have brought together both grassroots activists and organized groups, while prompting heavy policing and legal responses.
Major Protests & Issues
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“Unite the Kingdom” Rally
On September 13, 2025, a far-right rally organized by Tommy Robinson under the banner “Unite the Kingdom” drew over 100,000 people in London.The event was framed as a free-speech gathering but carried a strong anti-immigration tone. Supporters flew British, English, American and Israeli flags, chanted slogans targeting illegal migration, criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and some raised concerns about nationalism and xenophobia. The rally triggered counter-protests (notably by Stand Up To Racism), and saw clashes with police, including attempts to breach police lines. -
Pro-Palestine & Palestine Action Protests
Several protests have centered around Palestinian activism, notably in response to UK government’s ban on Palestine Action, declared a proscribed organization under anti-terrorism laws. At one demonstration outside Parliament Square, almost 900 people were arrested for showing support for the banned group. Earlier protests had already led to hundreds of arrests.These protests often involve calls for ceasefire in Gaza, criticism of UK foreign policy, and debates over civil liberties. Some group actions have included blocking roads, static assemblies, and banners reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
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Youth Demand and Other Grassroots Activism
Youth Demand is a group that has threatened to “shut down” parts of London via civil disobedience, in protest over Gaza and climate issues. In April 2025, they blocked roads temporarily near King’s Cross (Euston Road) and staged repeated actions under warning from the Metropolitan Police.
Policing, Legal Measures, and Tensions
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Mass arrests and anti-terror laws: Many demonstrations in support of or connected to Palestine Action have led to large numbers of arrests. Use of the Terrorism Act for supporting or even symbolic support of a proscribed group has been controversial
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Regulation of protest routes and conditions: Under the Public Order Act, the Metropolitan Police have imposed conditions on protest routes, assemblies, and static gatherings to mitigate risks of disruption or clashes, especially when protests are near places of worship or overlap with counter-protests.
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Free speech vs hate speech tensions: The “Unite the Kingdom” rally raised concerns among anti-racism groups and authorities about the nature of the rhetoric (immigration, nationalism). Meanwhile, pro-Palestine demonstrations spark debate over when activism becomes support for banned organizations. These issues reflect broader UK debates around counter-terrorism, civil liberties, religious community safety, and the limits of protest.
Impact and Broader Significance
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Scale of mobilization: Some protests like Unite the Kingdom have drawn over 100,000 people, demonstrating a strong public energy behind these issues. Others, though smaller, have been disruptive enough (road blockages, static sit-ins) to force police response.
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Polarization and counter-protests: Many events generate opposing demonstrations (e.g., Stand Up To Racism) and see tension between different community groups, adding to potential for conflict.
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Legal and democratic consequences: The use of terrorism legislation, bans on groups, police powers to set protest conditions, and court cases seeking to challenge these measures are raising questions about balancing security with civil liberties.
Recent London protest news
Scuffles with police as 100,000 anti-immigration protesters march in London