Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
On Saturday, London witnessed a substantial gathering of demonstrators who took to the streets in a show of opposition to hatred, division, and racism. This peaceful protest brought tens of thousands of people into central London, establishing itself as one of the UK’s largest marches against far-right extremism. Organised by the Together Alliance, a coalition comprising over 500 organisations advocating unity, the event underscored an ongoing fight against far-right ideologies.
The backdrop to this demonstration includes recent concerns over the erosion of democratic principles under right-wing governments, as detailed in a report released the same day by the Civil Liberties Union for Europe. Among those leading the march were notable public figures such as actor Sir Lenny Henry, singer Paloma Faith, and comedian Steve Coogan. Their participation highlighted the widespread appeal of the movement across different sectors of society.
While the Together Alliance estimated that over half a million people joined the protest, police figures suggested a turnout closer to 50,000. The march served as a response to last September’s far-right ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally, which attracted crowds exceeding 100,000. Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of the Together Alliance, emphasized the public’s rejection of the divisive and racist messages promoted at that event, stating, “We believe that the majority of British people stand against the hatred and division and racism that was being encouraged at that demonstration. It’s time to act.”
The route for the protest stretched from Park Lane to Trafalgar Square, passing through Whitehall. Along the way, performances by artists including Self Esteem, Jessie Ware, and UB40 energized the crowd. Various politicians also addressed participants, among them Green Party leader Zack Polanski, Your Party leader Jeremy Corbyn, and former Labour MP Diane Abbott, who now sits as an independent. An attendee from the campaign group Cut the Ties to Fossil Fuels drew attention to the connection between the fossil fuel industry and political funding by appearing in a grim reaper costume, explaining to The Guardian that “Big oil are one of the major funders of Reform UK” and stressing the urgency to sever ties with fossil fuels.
The Metropolitan Police reported two arrests linked to alleged criminal damage and public nuisance near Trafalgar Square, as well as eighteen more related to a separate demonstration outside Scotland Yard supporting Palestine Action. This pro-Palestine group was classified as a terrorist organisation by the UK government in 2025, a decision the High Court recently ruled unlawful in February; the government is currently appealing this judgment. Amnesty International UK described the Saturday march as a “historic demonstration,” emphasizing the call from protesters for “a different vision of society – one which places dignity, compassion and human rights at its heart.”
Read the full article on Positive News here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.