LONDON: Tens of thousands of protesters marched through central London on Saturday in a large-scale demonstration against the far-right Reform UK party, led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, which currently tops national opinion polls.
The “March to Stop the Far Right,” organized by the Together Alliance and backed by trade unions and civil society groups, was expected to draw around 30,000 participants, making it one of the largest protests in the British capital in recent years, according to a police official.
Protest Themes and Demonstrator Messages
Participants carried placards denouncing Reform UK and its anti-immigration policies. Alongside these, some demonstrators waved Iranian flags as well as pro-Palestinian banners and flags, signaling solidarity with global human rights issues. The march was planned to culminate near the British Parliament building, emphasizing the protesters’ demand for political accountability.
Political Context
Reform UK currently leads the Labour Party of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as other traditional political parties, according to recent opinion polls. The party’s rise has alarmed opposition groups and prompted coordinated public demonstrations.
Zach Polanski, leader of the Green Party, which is also challenging Labour in national elections, joined the march, highlighting a broad coalition of opposition voices against the far-right surge.
Organizers’ Statement
The Together Alliance emphasized that the demonstration was intended to send a clear message rejecting xenophobia, populism, and divisive politics. Organizers called on all political parties to defend democratic values and to address the social and economic issues that fuel far-right support.
