'We have to remove Islam': Social media reacts to racist speeches at Unite the Kingdom rally

'We have to remove Islam': Social media reacts to racist speeches at Unite the Kingdom rally Submitted by Hannah. Smith on Mon, 05/18/2026 - 12:39 Users criticised the government's lack of response to Islamophobic and racist comments made by speakers at Tommy Robinson's event in London Supporters of British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, gather for a march organised by Unite The Kingdom, in central London on 16 May 2026 (Justin Tallis/AFP) Off The Unite the Kingdom rally organised by far-right British activist Tommy Robinson in central London on Saturday was characterised by a series of Islamophobic speeches, sparking widespread reactions on social media. Police estimates suggested a turnout of 60,000 for the march, significantly less than the 150,000 that turned out for Robinson’s previous march in September. At the same time on Saturday, pro- Palestine organisers held the annual Nakba Day protest elsewhere in London, which was organised to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the forced expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians as Zionist militias occupied the land to make way for the state of Israel. More than 4,000 police were deployed across London to manage the far-right rally, the Nakba Day protest and the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Chelsea. The Metropolitan police confirmed a total of 43 arrests across both protests, with 20 arrested at the Unite the Kingdom rally, including for public order offences, drunk and disorderly behaviour, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon.  Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, kicked off the speeches by emphasising the importance of political organising...

Original source: Middle East Eye