Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of central London today, holding flags of Britain and England, taking part in a demonstration organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

Police have warned that they will deploy heavy forces in the British capital. In addition, a counter-demonstration by the organization Stand up to Racism, called the March Against Fascism, is scheduled to take place nearby today.

At noon, tens of thousands of protesters had gathered on the streets south of the River Thames, before heading towards Westminster, the seat of the British parliament, as part of the Unite the Kingdom march.

The protesters held British and English flags, while others carried US and Israeli flags or wore caps with US President Donald Trump's MAGA (Make America Great Again) slogan. The protesters chanted slogans against British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and held banners, some of which read anti-immigrant slogans such as"send them home" and "stop the boats."

We believe in Tommy

Robinson has called today's march a celebration of free speech. He is also expected to pay tribute to Charlie Kirk, an American conservative influencer who was murdered on Wednesday.

Hundreds of thousands have already filled the streets of central London as we unite as one for our freedoms, Robinson wrote in X.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, describes himself as a journalist who exposes government wrongdoing. His supporters include billionaire Elon Musk.

Britain's largest anti-immigration party, Reform UK, which has seen its popularity skyrocket recently, has taken a stance against Robinson, who has been convicted several times, among other things, of disturbing public order and making false allegations against a Syrian refugee.

"We want our country back, we want freedom of speech back," protester Sandra Mitchell said."They have to stop illegal immigration," she added."We believe in Tommy."

Immigration is a key political issue

London police have announced they will deploy more than 1,600 officers across the British capital, 500 of whom have been seconded from other areas.

Immigration has become a key political issue in Britain in recent months, more so than the country's difficult economic situation. The summer was particularly tense with many anti-immigrant protests and incidents outside hotels hosting asylum seekers.

Since the beginning of the year, more than 28,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats to reach British shores.