Large-scale protests take place in London amid high security

On May 16, 2026, two significant demonstrations took place simultaneously in London: an anti-immigration rally organized by the 'Unite the Kingdom' movement and a pro-Palestinian march. The Metropolitan Police deployed over 4,000 officers, describing it as one of their largest security operations in recent years, involving horse-mounted units, drones, and armored vehicles. A buffer zone was established to prevent potential clashes between the opposing groups. The event occurred alongside the FA Cup final at Wembley, which added significant logistical pressure on local authorities. Reports on the number of arrests varied between sources, with counts ranging from at least two near Euston station to at least eleven in the city center. Prime Minister Keir Starmer publicly condemned the organizers of the anti-immigration protest, accusing them of inciting hatred and ethnic division. Authorities noted the scale of these events compared to previous large-scale protests in September, which drew between 110,000 and 150,000 participants.