Tommy Robinson, known for his far-right political views and the Unite the Kingdom march, found himself on the receiving end of a clever and provocative stunt by the anti-Brexit group Led By Donkeys. This group, founded in 2018 by four fathers with Greenpeace ties, has been known for its satirical and humorous approach to political activism.
The group managed to insert an electronic screen into the march that displayed messages supporting migration, which stood in stark contrast to the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Unite the Kingdom organizers. The event took place in central London, where police estimated around 60,000 people attended. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, had called for a “battle of Britain” at Parliament Square, setting the stage for what would become a highly publicized clash of ideologies.
The electronic screen initially appeared to align with the patriotic themes of the day, but it soon became clear that it was part of a larger plan. The screen first displayed the Union Jack, which drew little attention. However, as the message evolved, it began to show pro-migration slogans, such as “Immigration makes Britain brilliant.” This message caught the attention of several protesters, who were taken aback by the sudden shift in tone.
As the video continued, it featured a series of British celebrities with immigrant backgrounds. These included the late singer George Michael, whose father was a Cypriot immigrant; Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah, born in Somalia; and singer Dua Lipa, whose parents came from Kosovo. Other notable figures included Star Wars actor John Boyega, cricketer Moeen Ali, actor Idris Elba, and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.
The screen then showcased more stars, including Rita Ora, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Nadiya Hussain, Sir Ben Kingsley, and Jude Bellingham. Each of these individuals had a connection to immigration, either through their birthplace or family heritage. As the montage continued, the crowd's reaction shifted from confusion to outrage, with some protesters starting to jeer at the screen.
The final message on the screen read: “If you go back far enough… We’re all immigrants.” At this point, police officers stepped in to manage the growing tension, and the screen displayed images of various famous Brits, including Queen Elizabeth II, Harry Kane, and Winston Churchill. A man could be heard shouting, “Smash it up,” as the screen showed a diverse array of individuals from different backgrounds.
Despite the efforts of the police to shut down the screen, the message remained on display for some time. Eventually, the screen returned to showing the Union Jack, and the protest continued. The incident highlighted the deep divisions within the community and the ongoing debate over immigration and national identity.
The Met Police deployed around 4,000 officers to manage the event, along with counter-demonstrations from groups like Stand Up To Racism and the FA Cup final at Wembley. Before the speeches, crowds waved flags with pro-Trump slogans and religious messages. The atmosphere was further complicated by the presence of cannabis and alcohol, with many attendees appearing to be under the influence.
Robinson addressed the crowd, endorsing Reform, Restore, and the Conservative Party. He encouraged attendees to join a political party, regardless of which one they chose. Photos of Donald Trump received widespread applause, but when he mentioned Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the crowd responded with loud boos.
In a statement, the Met reported 43 arrests at the two protests and an additional 22 at the FA Cup Final. Four officers were assaulted, though none seriously, and six others faced hate crime offenses. London Mayor Sadiq Khan praised the police for their work, adding a subtle jab at Robinson’s march by stating that Londoners would reject those who seek to divide communities.
This incident underscores the complex interplay between political activism, public discourse, and the role of media in shaping perceptions. It also highlights the importance of understanding the diverse backgrounds and contributions of individuals who have made significant impacts on British society.
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