LONDON– On 13 September 2025, London became the centre of a huge protest, with police figures suggesting up to 150,000 people attended the “Unite the Kingdom” protests. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) led the event, which organizers billed as a “free speech festival.”
The protest quickly turned violent, leaving 26 police officers injured, four of them seriously, and police made 24 arrests. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke out against the event , describing those involved as “far-right” and promising that Britain would not yield its identity to people spreading “violence, fear, and division.”
This reaction, combined with Starmer’s political style, has drawn sharp criticism and revealed a widening gap between Labour and many voters. This article examines Starmer’s portrayal of the protesters, his recent challenges, what triggered the march, and the bigger picture, including the rising influence of Nigel Farage and debates around figures such as Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson.
Starmer’s Use of the “Far-Right” Label
Starmer’s quick decision to brand the protesters as “far-right” has proved divisive. While Tommy Robinson’s long connection to hate groups is well known, many taking part were not his regular followers. The turnout, which broke previous records for rallies linked to this kind of politics, pointed to a much wider frustration.
Many of those who joined in were everyday people angry about government decisions or the state of the country. Critics say Starmer’s blanket approach writes off many ordinary concerns as extremism. Calling the event “far-right” can make people feel ignored, especially if they are worried about issues like immigration, rising costs, or a changing sense of national identity.
This fits a wider trend in Starmer’s time as leader. Often accused of following an agenda focused on diversity and political correctness, Starmer has been criticized for overlooking genuine worries many people have.
Political voices, including former Scottish Green leader Patrick Harvie, have warned that failing to listen to economic and immigration concerns leaves room for people like Robinson and Farage to build support. When Starmer responds by focusing only on tolerance and diversity, he risks sounding disconnected, especially if he does not address the reasons why anger is growing in the first place.
Starmer Struggles, Poor Polling
Since entering Number 10 in July 2024, Starmer’s Labour government has hit bumps in the road, reflected in falling poll numbers. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stood down in September 2025 after a tax row, further denting Starmer’s image. At the same time, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has become more popular and is sometimes ahead of Labour in national surveys.
Many blame Starmer’s low ratings on unfinished promises, whether on fixing the economy, tackling border crossings, or restoring a sense of unity. The huge turnout at the protest shone a light on just how many people feel let down by current policies.
Starmer’s push for austerity and his backing for net zero goals have been much criticized, especially among working-class voters who once stood behind Labour.
Clampdowns on businesses that break rules on migrant workers have not convinced those worried about high immigration. At the same time, these steps have annoyed Labour’s more left-leaning supporters who view such rules as harsh. This juggling act has left Starmer struggling to hold his coalition together, without a clear message that unites the party’s base.
What Drove People to Protest?
A mix of issues led to the large numbers at the “ Unite the Kingdom” rally , many of which go beyond labels like “far-right.” Above all, the severe cost-of-living crisis was on everyone’s mind. With energy prices up, wages flat, and public services reduced under Labour’s budget cuts, frustration has only built.
There is a growing sense that everyday families are left out, while the well-off and recent arrivals seem to get a better deal. Demonstrators waved Union Jacks and shouted slogans such as “stop the boats,” railing at the arrival of over 30,000 migrants across the Channel in 2025.
Economic hardship has made things worse. British industry, already weakened by years of decline, has taken further blows due to costly new rules as the government pursues net-zero commitments. Critics say this only causes businesses to close or move away, taking jobs with them. Investors, according to online posts and reports, have started looking elsewhere.
Many feel the government has focused too much on international priorities and ignored the problems at home, adding fuel to public resentment.
The sense that politicians are not listening goes deep. The large demonstration in London showed that many people think their complaints get lost in Westminster. International speakers like Eric Zemmour and Elon Musk joined the rally by video. Their involvement fed the message that people across the world share these concerns, from fear of cultural change to anger over government decisions.
Starmer’s attacks on Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson have only sharpened divisions. Musk appeared at the rally by video, calling for parliament to be dissolved and warning about “huge uncontrolled migration.” Starmer called Musk’s words “dangerous,” and Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey wanted action taken against Musk.
However, the government stopped short of official sanctions, trying to balance free speech rights with the need to keep the peace. Tommy Robinson remains a controversial figure. Starmer has focused on Robinson’s criminal cases and the violence at the protest, though critics argue this avoids tackling the deeper causes of public anger.
The Rise of Nigel Farage
Nigel Farage and Reform UK have built on this unrest, casting themselves as the voice of those left behind. Farage calls for strict immigration measures and plans to exit international treaties on human rights.
This approach appeals to voters upset by economic decline or the flow of migrants into the country. In some polls, Reform UK has overtaken Labour, reflecting a marked shift in support. Farage points to Labour’s recent scandals and says Starmer is out of touch, putting further pressure on the government.
Starmer’s response to the “Unite the Kingdom” protests, with his swift use of the “far-right” label, highlights a bigger disconnect between Labour and much of the British public. By focusing on progressive ideals like net zero and diversity while missing the mark on cost-of-living and immigration, the government has driven more people toward political rivals like Farage and Robinson.
The huge crowds seen in London and the drop in Labour’s poll numbers show how deep this crisis runs. By dismissing protestors as extremists and criticizing figures like Musk, without addressing why people are angry, Starmer’s team risks losing even more support.
To close the gap and rebuild trust, Labour needs to tackle the root causes of public frustration and bring together a more united and practical message.
