Alert+

Far-Right Rally and Counterprotests Planned in London

Central London to Face Disruption Amid Far-Right and Counterprotests

Intelligence cut off: 12:00 BST 12 SEPTEMBER 2025

On 13 September, a large-scale far-right demonstration is scheduled to be held in central London. The “Unite the Kingdom” event was organised by several British far-right figures, including prominent activist Tommy Robinson. It will also involve the participation of several right-wing and far-right activists, influencers and politicians from continental Europe and from the United States.

The demonstration will begin with a march, setting off from Stamford Street in Southwark at 11:30 local time, continuing in the Waterloo area and crossing the Thames over Westminster Bridge. The protesters will then proceed to Parliament Square and finally to Whitehall. According to local media, attendees have been advised to travel to the London Bridge, Southwark, and Blackfriars stations, ahead of assembling in Stamford Street.

Joint counterdemonstrations have been organised by activist groups like Stand Up to Racism, which have also planned transport services for participants coming from other parts of Britain. The “March Against Fascism” event is expected to start at 12:00 local time in Russel Square, and will continue towards Whitehall via Holborn and the Strand, arriving in the area from the Trafalgar Square side (the opposite end of Whitehall from Parliament Square).

A previous “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration, in October 2024, drew an estimated 20,000 people, with approximately the same number of counter protesters. Projected figures for the 13 September march predict a significantly higher attendance. UK media states that approximately 1,000 police officers will be deployed to control the two marches on 12 September.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Risk of Clashes Between Far-Right and Counterdemonstrators in Central London

The two planned events will likely exacerbate security threats and result in disruption during the day. The marches are scheduled to begin on opposite sides of the Thames and converge in Whitehall. While the Metropolitan Police will likely be able to secure the two marches’ route and prevent the two sides from coming into contact in Whitehall, there is a realistic possibility of occasional clashes between dispersed groups of protesters throughout the day, and particularly near public transport hubs that both marches’ attendees will likely have to use to reach the assembly points.

Note that several major football games will be held in London on 13 September. This will likely further stretch the resources of the Metropolitan Police and is likely to further exacerbate the threat of dispersed violence and clashes during the day, with public transport hubs again being particularly at risk.

The threat of clashes is likely to be highest before 11:00 local time and in the late afternoon, after the end of the rallies and the football games.

Finally, there is a remote possibility of more serious political violence occurring in connection with the event. While not directly linked with it, the march is scheduled to take place only days after the assassination of a prominent American right-wing political commentator. The killing has resulted in a surge in calls for political violence on English-speaking social media, targeting prominent right-wing and left-wing figures, as well as activists.

Travel and Safety Guidance for Central London During Unrest

Avoid Whitehall, as well as the routes of the two marches in central London.
Allocate additional time for all travel in central London.
Reconsider using public transport, particularly in Zone 1, if possible.
Avoid carrying flags or other national, political or religious symbols.
Expect longer police and ambulance response times during the day.
Monitor the Transport for London official site for reports on possible disruptions to public transport.
If caught in a protest, try to move away if it is safe to do so, and always abide by authority directions.
If you are unable to leave, take precautions to minimise risks. These include moving away from hard barriers, remaining upright, and moving with and not against the crowd.
Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone. These should include local authorities, medical facilities and any consular support.
Ensure that mobile phones are charged ahead of travel.
Monitor local news for relevant updates.