Tens of thousands of people gathered in central London on Saturday for an anti far-right march, with organisers saying half a million had turned out in “the biggest demonstration ever against the far right”, after crowds moved through the capital to Whitehall carrying placards reading “No to racism, no to Trump” and “Refugees welcome”.

Kevin Courtney, chair of the coalition organising the event, addressed the crowds gathered in Whitehall, saying,

“Our estimate is now that there are half a million people on this demonstration, the biggest demonstration ever against the far right, And it gives us all confidence to carry on, Thank you very much.”

The organisers highlighted that the turnout significantly outnumbered a far-right rally in London last September led by Tommy Robinson, pointing to a notable shift in public sentiment and increased opposition to extremist politics across the UK. One of the speakers told the crowd;

“The turnout today is the largest anti-racist march that I have seen in my lifetime, and you should all be proud of yourselves for coming out in such numbers today.”

The energy from the assembled demonstrators was evident, with chants, drums, and banners creating a powerful atmosphere of unity.

Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of the Together Alliance and co-convenor of Stand Up To Racism, said the massive turnout had intimidated the far right away from staging a counter-protest, emphasising that many British people stand against hatred, division, and racism, and that it was time to act.

By the conclusion of the march, the Metropolitan Police had arrested 25 people, including some individuals for climbing up columns in Trafalgar Square and members of the group Palestine Action, according to police statements.

Demonstrators travelled from across the country to participate in the rally, which included a heavy police presence and speeches and performances promoting unity and opposition to far-right ideologies. Several political figures and campaign groups joined the crowds, reinforcing the broad appeal and reach of the protest.

Observers noted that the scale of the turnout contrasted sharply with previous far-right demonstrations in the capital, interpreting Saturday’s event as a marker of growing resistance to racism, exclusion, and extremist politics in the United Kingdom, demonstrating that public opposition to hate and division remains strong.