٠٠:٠٣:٥٤Hundreds of locals marched through the streets of London on Saturday to protest against the arrest of anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson.
Footage shows protesters holding UK flags, banners and signs reading:'Free Tommy Robinson' and 'Peter's life matters' among others, referring to the recent death in prison of one of those convicted of taking part in the summer's riots against asylum seekers. Police officers were also seen monitoring the rally as well as counter demonstrators outside Piccadilly Circus station.
"[UK Prime Minister Keir] Starmer is a traitor to his own country," one protester said. "Think about people at home first before you go out there and help others."
Another protester called Lynch a 'political prisoner', saying "he died in prison but he died standing up for what he believed in and we need to do that too."
61-year-old Lynch was sentenced to 31 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to being part of a group that attacked a building housing asylum seekers in August. He died following heart attack, while the prison service stated that it was investigating.
Other protesters called for the release of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, after he was charged with violations of the country's terrorism laws.
The 41-year-old was reported to have been charged after failing to provide the PIN to his mobile phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act and has been bailed to appear in court next month.
"If he can be arrested and he can be put inside just for saying that the police are scum, that means that could happen to anyone here, including myself and it's absolutely outrageous," a protester said.
A counter demonstrator criticised British locals for supporting anti-immigration figures like Robinson, stating: "we don't intend to be driven off the streets by the fascists."
"We don't want a threat to refugees, we don't want a threat to Muslims in this country and we don't want a political threat to the whole of the progressive movement in this country, which is what Tommy Robinson and his supporters represent," he said.
Robinson has been a key figure in anti-immigration protests and causes, with his demonstration in July drawing crowds of 20,000 to 30,000 people, according to campaign group Hope Not Hate.
At least four people, two from the anti-immigration march and two from the anti-racist counter-protest, have been arrested on Saturday, according to media reports.
'PM Starmer is a traitor to his country!' – Hundreds march in London against activist Tommy Robinson's arrest
Hundreds of locals marched through the streets of London on Saturday to protest against the arrest of anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson.
Footage shows protesters holding UK flags, banners and signs reading:'Free Tommy Robinson' and 'Peter's life matters' among others, referring to the recent death in prison of one of those convicted of taking part in the summer's riots against asylum seekers. Police officers were also seen monitoring the rally as well as counter demonstrators outside Piccadilly Circus station.
"[UK Prime Minister Keir] Starmer is a traitor to his own country," one protester said. "Think about people at home first before you go out there and help others."
Another protester called Lynch a 'political prisoner', saying "he died in prison but he died standing up for what he believed in and we need to do that too."
61-year-old Lynch was sentenced to 31 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to being part of a group that attacked a building housing asylum seekers in August. He died following heart attack, while the prison service stated that it was investigating.
Other protesters called for the release of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, after he was charged with violations of the country's terrorism laws.
The 41-year-old was reported to have been charged after failing to provide the PIN to his mobile phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act and has been bailed to appear in court next month.
"If he can be arrested and he can be put inside just for saying that the police are scum, that means that could happen to anyone here, including myself and it's absolutely outrageous," a protester said.
A counter demonstrator criticised British locals for supporting anti-immigration figures like Robinson, stating: "we don't intend to be driven off the streets by the fascists."
"We don't want a threat to refugees, we don't want a threat to Muslims in this country and we don't want a political threat to the whole of the progressive movement in this country, which is what Tommy Robinson and his supporters represent," he said.
Robinson has been a key figure in anti-immigration protests and causes, with his demonstration in July drawing crowds of 20,000 to 30,000 people, according to campaign group Hope Not Hate.
At least four people, two from the anti-immigration march and two from the anti-racist counter-protest, have been arrested on Saturday, according to media reports.
Hundreds of locals marched through the streets of London on Saturday to protest against the arrest of anti-immigration activist Tommy Robinson.
Footage shows protesters holding UK flags, banners and signs reading:'Free Tommy Robinson' and 'Peter's life matters' among others, referring to the recent death in prison of one of those convicted of taking part in the summer's riots against asylum seekers. Police officers were also seen monitoring the rally as well as counter demonstrators outside Piccadilly Circus station.
"[UK Prime Minister Keir] Starmer is a traitor to his own country," one protester said. "Think about people at home first before you go out there and help others."
Another protester called Lynch a 'political prisoner', saying "he died in prison but he died standing up for what he believed in and we need to do that too."
61-year-old Lynch was sentenced to 31 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to being part of a group that attacked a building housing asylum seekers in August. He died following heart attack, while the prison service stated that it was investigating.
Other protesters called for the release of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, after he was charged with violations of the country's terrorism laws.
The 41-year-old was reported to have been charged after failing to provide the PIN to his mobile phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act and has been bailed to appear in court next month.
"If he can be arrested and he can be put inside just for saying that the police are scum, that means that could happen to anyone here, including myself and it's absolutely outrageous," a protester said.
A counter demonstrator criticised British locals for supporting anti-immigration figures like Robinson, stating: "we don't intend to be driven off the streets by the fascists."
"We don't want a threat to refugees, we don't want a threat to Muslims in this country and we don't want a political threat to the whole of the progressive movement in this country, which is what Tommy Robinson and his supporters represent," he said.
Robinson has been a key figure in anti-immigration protests and causes, with his demonstration in July drawing crowds of 20,000 to 30,000 people, according to campaign group Hope Not Hate.
At least four people, two from the anti-immigration march and two from the anti-racist counter-protest, have been arrested on Saturday, according to media reports.