Massive crowds gather in London for anti-immigration march (VIDEOS)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has blocked foreign speakers from entering the country ahead of the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally

Large crowds have descended upon central London for an anti-immigration rally dubbed ‘Unite the Kingdom’. Videos and photographs posted on social media on Saturday showed demonstrators assembling in the British capital hours before the main march began.

According to local media, citing the police, an estimated 50,000 people are expected to take part. The Guardian reported that more than 150,000 people turned up for the previous Unite the Kingdom rally last September.

Reports have emerged on social media claiming that police have already made at least one arrest, detaining right-wing activist Ryan Bridge.

Arrests have begun at the far-right Unite the Kingdom rally in central London today.

Ryan Bridge, co-founder of the “Raise the Colours” movement — whose members attach flags to lampposts and engage in anti-migrant vigilantism — has been arrested by the Met Police.

5Pillars is… pic.twitter.com/Ul5n2BaBad

— 5Pillars (@5Pillarsuk) May 16, 2026

Ahead of the demonstration, organized by Tommy Robinson, a British anti-immigration activist whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that several foreign activists and commentators had been denied entry to Britain. According to Downing Street, eleven people were blocked because their presence was considered “not conducive to the public good.” 

READ MORE: Patriotic protest or hate march? What is ‘Unite the Kingdom’?

British media identified some of those affected as Polish MEP Dominik Tarczynski, Dutch political commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek, US commentator Joey Mannarino, and US influencer Valentina Gomez. The Home Office reportedly revoked electronic travel authorizations issued to some participants before their planned arrival in the UK. 

Reports suggest over 80,000 patriots have arrived in London for Unite The Kingdom with thousands more are still on their way. pic.twitter.com/aeHlEeZixM

— dks pros (@dkspros) May 16, 2026

Starmer stated on Thursday that the government would not permit individuals to “spread hate on our streets,” according to remarks published by the UK government. The restrictions drew criticism from supporters of the march, who accused the authorities of attempting to suppress political dissent and limit attendance.