Thousands march against antisemitism in London as Tommy Robinson arrested – live

Tommy Robinson has been arrested at a march against antisemitism in London after police warned the far-right was“not welcome”.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the march, held the day after a pro-Palestinian protest in the capital called again for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Former prime minister Boris Johnson is among those attending.

Ahead of the march, the Met warned that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with, as both the force and ministers have stressed the need for the UK’s Jewish community to feel safe on the streets.

There had been fears in that Mr Robinson, the former leader of the far-right grouping, could disrupt the protest organised by charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.

Robinson had previously been seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during ceasefire protests held on Armistice Day.

The weekend marches took place as a temporary truce between Hamas and Israel is still holding following the release of two groups of hostages

Key PointsPeter Kyle says Britain engulfed by ‘tsunami of antisemitism’

16:04 , Barney Davis

Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle said he was speaking “very proudly” as deputy of Labour’s Friends of Israel.

He said: “We all wait with deep anxiety as we await the release of further hostages. To be here and stand shoulder to shoulder with British Jews.

“I am enormously proud of the leadership Keir Starmer has shown in combatting antisemitism and standing up for the Jewish British community,

“We cannot escape and cannot ignore the tsunami of antisemitism that has swept the country since October 7.

“Your community will never stand alone.”

Robert Jenrick tells crowd Hamas defeat will be a ‘blessing to the world’

15:50 , Barney Davis

Speaking on behalf of the Government, The Minister of State for Immigration said: “Tonight we mourn with those that mourn and grieve

“We pray for the hostages and we demand their immediate release.”

Chants of “Bring them home” break up the speech.

He said: “Know your government will not rest until each and every one of them is back in the loving embrace of their families. We stand with Israel.”

He said he will revoke visas of known antisemites and dispel them from the country.

“There is one fundamental freedom we must reclaim that is the freedom from fear.

“A Britain where Jewish people are afraid is not Britain.”

(Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

‘This is the real Britain’ Crowd estimated to be 105,000 people strong in Parliament Square

15:31 , Barney Davis

Thousands of people have gathered inside Parliament Square chanting “Bring Them Home” in reference to people still being held hostage by Hamas.

The first speaker said Saturday’s march was “the largest gathering against antisemitism since 1936” the Battle of Cable Street – where thousands clashed with police protecting a march from the British Union of Fascists in east London.

He thanked protesters for continuing this “proud” tradition and estimated the crowd as 105,000 strong with the protest snaking back to Whitehall 2km in length.

He led a chant of “Act against hate before it’s too late” before silence fell over the protest. He said the crowd were lighting a beacon of solidarity before quoting Anne Frank which can both “define and defy the darkness of antisemitism”.

The Met Police said a ‘significant police and security operation is underway’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

‘Heartwarming’ European Jewish Congress praise march against antisemitism in London

15:29 , Barney Davis

Thousands of activists marching against antisemitism have been hailed by the European Jewish Congress which aims to unite 2.5million Jewish people across Europe.

The group posted a video to X showing a mass of supporters waiving Israeli flags and holding up posters of people still being held hostage by Hamas.

The organisation added: “Such inspiring scenes in London today as thousands march to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, in the wake of an alarming rise of antisemitism.”

Boris Johnson says he is showing solidarity with Jewish people as he attends march against antisemitism in London

15:19 , Barney Davis

Former prime minister Boris Johnson is among those attending the march against antisemitism in London.

The former Prime Minister joined celebrities including Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rachel Riley and Robert Rinder on Sunday afternoon.

Police speak to woman holding placard at antisemitism march

15:08 , Maira Butt

Police were seen speaking to a woman who attended the march against antisemitism today as she held a placard.

Police spoke to a woman holding a placard during the march (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Boris Johnson: antisemitism like ‘old spore of virus that lurks beneath floorboards’

15:05 , Maira Butt

Johnson told GB News: “The reemergence and recrudescence of antisemitism, it’s kind of like an old spore of a virus that lurks beneath the floorboards of Western civilisation, of our collective memory.

“And it comes out from time to time. It’s perennial, it won’t go away and it flares up again. We’re seeing a flareup and we need to call it out.”

The former prime minister attended the march today and spoke to GB News (GB News)

Boris Johnson: ‘Very sad this march has to take place at all’

14:57 , Maira Butt

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has attended a march against antisemitism taking place in London today.

He told GB News it was “very sad this march has to take place at all” before adding antisemitism at previous marches confirmed for him “the absolutely human necessity for Israel to exist”.

He said: “Whatever the rights and wrongs of what Israel has done, or is doing, I think that the antisemitism we have seen in some of the marches around Europe has really confirmed for me the absolutely human necessity for Israel to exist.”

March heading towards Parliament Square

14:53 , Maira Butt

Thousands are making their way towards Parliament Square as the March Against Antisemitism has now moved off from the Royal Courts of Justice and is making its way towards its destination.

Thousands attended including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and TV presenter Vanessa Feltz.

Robert Rinder and Tracey-Ann Oberman also attended (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

‘Thousands in attendance’ at march

14:45 , Maira Butt

Thousands have attended a march against antisemitism in London, with English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson escorted away by police.

Police later confirmed a 40-year-old man had been arrested close to the Royal Courts of Justice, from where the demonstration began on Sunday afternoon.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson joined thousands of people for the demonstration, a day after pro-Palestinian crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.

The Met Police said a ‘significant police and security operation is underway’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Banners read ‘United Kingdom united against Antisemitism’ and ‘Zero tolerance for antisemites’

14:40 , Maira Butt

Banners read ‘United Kingdom united against antisemitism’ and ‘Zero tolerance for antisemites’ as many well-known British figures attended.

The march is expected to last ninety minutes and started at 1.30pm where a large group gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

EDL founder, Tommy Robinson, was escorted away by police after trying to join the march.

Picture shows (fifth from left) Chief Rabbi Mirvis (left to right) Robert Rinder, Tracey-Ann Oberman, Eddie Marsan, Rachel Riley, Maureen Lipman and (second from right) Vanessa Feltz take part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

UK Jewish group says they won’t attend march

14:32 , Maira Butt

The UK Jewish group Na’amod have said in a statement that they will not attend the march against anti-semitism taking place on Saturday.

“It’s clear from the event description that CAA have organised this march in response to huge weekly ceasefire demonstrations in London.

“Pitting Jewish safety against Palestinian freedom doesn’t make Jews safer; it makes fighting antisemitism harder.”

In pictures: march underway as well-known figures attend

14:20 , Maira Butt

The march against antisemitism is underway in London with thousands expected to attend the demonstration.

Some well-known British figures are in attendance including Rachel Riley, Eddie Marsan, Maureen Lipman, Robert Rinder and Tracey-Ann Oberman. Minister of State for Security Tom Tugendhat also took part.

Rachel Riley attended (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Minister of State for Security attended (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Robert Rinder and Tracey-Ann Oberman attend

14:14 , Maira Butt

The Eastenders actress Tracey-Ann Oberman and famous television judge Robert Rinder have been seen in attendance at the march taking place in London today.

The march against antisemitism is expected to gather thousands and is scheduled to last 90 minutes.

The two were seen holding a banner (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Tommy Robinson arrested at march against antisemitism

14:14 , Sam Rkaina

Tommy Robinson has been arrested at the London march, after he was seen being escorted away from the gathering on Sunday afternoon.

A Met office spokesperson said: “Officers working as part of the policing and security operation for the March Against Antisemitism have arrested a 40-year-old man on the Strand.

“We have been in frequent contact with the organisers of the march in recent days.

“They have been clear about their concerns that the man’s attendance, and that of those who were likely to accompany him, would cause fear for other participants. The same view has been voiced by others.

“As a result he was spoken to and warned on more than one occasion that his continued presence in the area was likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to others.

“He was directed to leave the area but refused to do so. We are aware that the man had suggested he was in the area as a journalist. This was not a relevant factor in his arrest.”

Chief Rabbi attends march

14:09 , Maira Butt

Chief Rabbi Mirvis is taking part in a march against antisemitism today.

The action is organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.

Chief Rabbi Mirvis (centre) taking part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Major march against antisemitism underway as EDL founder escorted away

14:06 , Maira Butt

A major march against antisemitism has begun in London, after English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was escorted away by police.

Tens of thousands of people were expected to march in London in the demonstration, a day after pro-Palestinian crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.

A temporary truce between Hamas and Israel is still holding, with the release of a second group of hostages and Palestinians from Israeli prisons coming late on Saturday.

There had been fears in that Mr Robinson, the former leader of the far-right grouping, could disrupt the protest organised by charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.

The Metropolitan Police had made clear in advance that he was “not welcome” at the march, with the force warning that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.

Mr Robinson had previously been seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during ceasefire protests held on Armistice Day.

On Sunday, he was seen arguing with officers for about 10 minutes outside Soho coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.

He was was then led away from the scene.

The Metropolitan Police said it was aware of reports of a man being escorted away from the march and subsequently arrested.

Boris Johnson attends march

14:00 , Maira Butt

Former prime minister Boris Johnson is among those attending the march against antisemitism in London.

The former Prime Minister joined celebrities including Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rachel Riley and Robert Rinder on Sunday afternoon.

Vanessa Feltz was also seen interviewing protestors.

People take part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Tommy Robinson escorted away after arguing with officers for ten minutes

13:54 , Maira Butt

English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson has been escorted away from the march by police officers.

He was seen surrounded by several officers, before being taken away from the scene after arguing with police for around ten minutes.

The EDL founder was escorted away by police as he tried to join the march (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Several officers surrounded him (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

In pictures: Tommy Robinson escorted away by police

13:43 , Maira Butt

He was seen arguing with officers for ten minutes before being forcibly led away.

The EDL founder was escorted away from the march (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Tommy Robinson escorted away by police (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

EDL founder Tommy Robinson escorted away by police

13:39 , Maira Butt

English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson has been escorted away from the march by police officers.

He was seen arguing with officers for around 10 minutes outside Soho coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.

He was was then taken away from the scene.

People take part in march organised by Campaign Against Antisemitism

13:35 , Maira Butt

Many have gathered to take part in the march organised by volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.

Signs read ‘Jews belong’ and ‘United Kingdom against Antisemitism’.

Signs read ‘Jews belong’ and ‘United Kingdom against Antisemitism’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

In pictures: a large group has gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice in march against anti-semitism

13:25 , Maira Butt

Police officers in attendance as people take part in a march against antisemitism organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

The Met Police said a ‘significant policing and security operation was underway’ (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Vanessa Feltz was in attendance as she interviewed a protestor (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Met Police say ‘significant policing and security operation underway’

13:15 , Maira Butt

The Met Police have said there is a “significant” policing and security operation underway as a large group gathers outside the Royal Courts of Justice in a march against antisemitism to take place shortly.

They added that while they there may be “additional nervousness, particularly among Jewish Londoners”, there was “nothing to suggest this demonstration was at particular risk”.

They added: “A dispersal order under Section 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act has been in effect since just after 10am.

“It covers Westminster and parts of neighbouring boroughs. Anyone told by an officer to disperse who fails to do so is liable to arrest.”

Tommy Robinson in attendance as large group gathers outside Royal Courts of Justice

13:05 , Maira Butt

A large group has gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice for the rally organised by charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.

The group of a few thousand waved Israeli and Union flags and held placards reading “Never Again Is Now” and “Zero Tolerance for Antisemites”.

Other posters read: “Rape is not resistance” and “Hamas made me Jewish”.

English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson was among those present.

Met Police say Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome’

13:04 , Maira Butt

Asked about reports that Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, could attend the protest, Met Commissioner Ade Adelekan said he was “not welcome” at the march and would be engaged by officers.

Mr Robinson was seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during protests held on Armistice Day.

Mr Adelekan added: “What we cannot see and what we will not let happen is the kind of violence that happened on November 11.

“We have got enough officers in order to make sure we prevent that from happening.”

Mr Robinson who, along with the English Defence League, has demonstrated support for Israel for a number of years, has been condemned by Jewish groups in the past.

Chief secretary to Treasury ‘very concerned’ about Jewish people

13:00 , Maira Butt

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury is “very concerned” about Jewish people.

Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Laura Trott said: “I’m very concerned about people, particularly Jewish people, feeling safe on the streets.

“I think it is right that the police take all necessary action to make sure that people are able to walk about their home city without fear.”

Fears Tommy Robinson could attend protest as Met say he is not ‘welcome’

12:53 , Maira Butt

There have been fears that Tommy Robinson, founder and former leader of the far-right English Defence League, could attend the protest.

Mr Robinson was last seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during protests held on Armistice Day.

The Met said he was “not welcome” at the march, with the force warning that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.

Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: “I’m very concerned about people, particularly Jewish people, feeling safe on the streets.

“I think it is right that the police take all necessary action to make sure that people are able to walk about their home city without fear.”

Met Police say Tommy Robinson ‘not welcome’ (PA)

Between 40,000 to 50,000 expected to attend march

12:46 , Maira Butt

A 90-minute march organised by the volunteer-led charity Campaign Against Antisemitism is due to take place in London on Sunday.

Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, the Gold Commander in London this weekend, said 40,000-50,000 people were expected to attend the protest, which will start outside the Royal Courts of Justice.

Another pro-Palestinian protest of around 100,000 people marching from Park Lane to Whitehall will also be held on Saturday, as the city enters a busy period in the run-up to Christmas.

Thousands to march in London rally against antisemitism

12:25 , Maira Butt

Tens of thousands of people are expected to march in London later in a demonstration against antisemitism.

Both ministers and the Metropolitan Police have stressed the need for the UK’s Jewish community to feel safe on the streets, amid concern about rising tensions sparked by the conflict in Gaza.

The rally in the capital comes after tens of thousands of people gathered once again on Saturday to demand a permanent ceasefire.