British police detail arrests after far-right rally, counter demo
London police arrested 20 people during a far-right rally led by Tommy Robinson and 12 during a combined counter-demonstration and pro-Palestinian protest. The Metropolitan Police reported hate crime arrests at both events, with offenses related to race, religion, sexuality, and disability. The demonstrations, held amid high security, included speeches from far-right figures and commemorated the Nakba, the 1948 displacement of Palestinians.
- ▪London police arrested 20 people at Tommy Robinson's 'Unite the Kingdom' rally and 12 at a counter-demonstration linked to Nakba Day protests.
- ▪Eleven of the 32 total arrests were for hate crime offenses, with nine occurring at Robinson's event and two at the pro-Palestinian march.
- ▪The Metropolitan Police conducted its largest operation in years due to fears of violence following past clashes at similar events.
- ▪Arrests at the pro-Palestinian protest included charges for failing to remove face coverings and supporting a proscribed organization.
- ▪Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, urged rally attendees to remain peaceful and politically active ahead of the 2029 general election.
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British police detail arrests after far-right rally, counter demoSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxProtesters hold flags during a "Unite the Kingdom" rally organised by British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, in London on May 16. PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 17, 2026, 06:30 PMUpdated May 17, 2026, 06:30 PMLONDON - London police said on May 17 officers arrested 20 people the previous day at a march organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson and 12 people at a counter-demonstration fused with a pro-Palestinian protest.The city’s Metropolitan Police – which had already disclosed making 43 arrests on March 16 after tens of thousands people attended the duelling events – added 11 of those detained were either…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.