Irony struck at one of Britain’s largest far-right rallies as footage emerged of anti-immigration protesters tucking into Indian food while waving English and Union Jack flags. Despite the march being billed as a show of defiance against migration, several demonstrators were caught on camera queueing at Southbank Centre stalls for curries, naan wraps and onion bhajis. The clips, widely shared online, showed crowds under nationalist banners stopping to buy from vendors with names such as “Indian Street Food,” “Curry Shack,” and “Naan Wraps.”The images a striking contradiction, showed protesters who were marching against immigration one moment, enjoying South Asian street food . Onion bhajis, biryanis and samosas, all staples of Indian cuisine, were among the most popular snacks for Robinson’s supporters, prompting ridicule on social media.
The march, attended by an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people, quickly turned violent. The Metropolitan Police confirmed 26 officers were injured, four seriously, after they were punched, kicked and struck with bottles, flares and other projectiles. At least 24 people were arrested, with further arrests expected in the coming days. Alleged offences ranged from common assault to possession of offensive weapons.
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Police said the clashes began when Robinson supporters attempted to breach security cordons separating them from counter-protesters at a nearby Stand Up to Racism rally. “There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence,” said Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist.The demonstration was billed as a “free speech festival” but carried a sharp anti-immigrant theme. Supporters carried placards declaring “stop the boats” and “send them home” while chanting “we want our country back.” Speeches from far-right figures across Europe and North America, including French politician Eric Zemmour and German MP Petr Bystron, invoked the controversial “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory.Elon Musk, appearing by video link, condemned Britain’s government, claiming migration was eroding the nation and warning, “violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die.” Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, told the crowd that migrants had more rights than “the British public, the people that built this nation.”
