Police clashes erupted during a St George's Day rally near the Cenotaph in central London as protesters from far-right groups gathered to march on Whitehall.
The Metropolitan Police reported that some members of the large crowd resorted to violence, forcefully breaking through police blockades, resulting in mounted officers being deployed to restore order.
Prior to the event, the police spokesperson had indicated the expected presence of individuals associated with far-right groups and football clubs.
Videos from the scene captured demonstrators blocking the road and chanting slogans like "England till I die." Although a few scuffles were observed before the scheduled start of the event, it eventually commenced as planned without further incidents.
However, at around 2 p.m., the Metropolitan Police posted an update stating that officers were already dealing with disorder, even though the event was not scheduled to begin for another hour. The group had deviated from the allocated area on Richmond Terrace and continued up Whitehall. When officers formed a cordon and asked the group to turn around, the situation escalated as the protesters forcefully pushed through, prompting mounted officers to intervene.
Pictures from the scene depicted police officers attempting to regain control of the crowd, many of whom were adorned with England flags. Videos showed instances of a police horse being struck with an umbrella, while some officers appeared to be wearing riot gear. Protesters directed profanities at the officers and engaged in chants. However, the Metropolitan Police later confirmed that Whitehall had reopened to traffic in both directions and no further incidents had been reported.
Notably, among those in attendance and speaking at the rally was Tommy Robinson, the former leader of the English Defence League, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Robinson had been acquitted of breaching a dispersal order during a pro-Israel protest in November of the previous year. The court acknowledged that the dispersal order may have been unlawful due to an incorrect date. Despite organizers explicitly stating that Robinson was not welcome at the event, he claimed to be attending as a journalist.
To maintain public safety, the Metropolitan Police implemented a Section 60 order in Lambeth and Westminster, granting them increased powers for stop and search, as well as an order allowing officers to require the removal of face coverings. Following the initial scuffles, the police confirmed that traffic had resumed, and the event proceeded as planned. Some peaceful attendees were seen donning elaborate costumes, with one person even riding a horse while dressed as a knight, adding a unique spectacle to the day's proceedings.
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