In a resounding display of defiance against what many British people see as a tyrannical government stifling free speech and decimating their national identity, conservative activist Tommy Robinson rallied over a million people in central London on Saturday. The “Unite the Kingdom” event transformed central London into a sea of Union Jacks and St. George’s flags. While Met Police put the number of protestors at 110,000, it seemed clear from drone images that there was an ebb and flow of 1–3 million people throughout the day.

With many of the same goals as American conservatives, protestors rallied against unchecked immigration and the failures of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government. But this wasn’t just another protest; it was also a tribute to Turning Point USA founder and conservative activist Charlie Kirk, whose assassination just two days prior galvanized the transatlantic right like never before. Conservative commentator Benny Johnson posted just one of many social media videos showing chants of “Charlie, Charlie, Charlie” echoing through the crowd.

Robinson spoke to international entrepreneur Elon Musk via a video screen, as Musk called for the dissolution of the U.K. parliament and warned that “massive uncontrolled migration” was contributing to the “destruction of Britain.” He told protestors that they must “either fight back or you die.”

Tommy Robinson has long been embraced as the courageous voice of working-class Britain. He’s faced relentless persecution from the powers that be—imprisoned multiple times on what supporters say are trumped-up charges of contempt and hate speech. Some of the charges against Robinson include exposing the so-called “grooming gangs” accused of preying on young British girls, a scandal British media and elites have buried for years, afraid of offending multicultural sensitivities.  In 2024, Robinson told Canadian media commentator Jordan Peterson why he’s spoken out on grooming gangs, saying he experienced his own “life lesson of the influence of Islamist ideology and what it can do to freedom,” and describing his young cousin’s victimization by the gangs.

Robinson’s supporters insist his activism isn’t born of malice, but of a fierce love for his homeland. In an era where criticizing mass migration is equated with racism, Robinson stands as a bulwark, reminding Britons that patriotism and cultural preservation aren't punishable crimes—but the bedrock of freedom.

Back in 2018, when Robinson was jailed for live-streaming outside a grooming gang trial, Kirk jumped to his defense on social media, blasting the U.K. system as “Orwellian.” Responding to a post by London Mayor Sadiq Khan claiming that London’s “liberal values” promoted an “open and diverse city,” Kirk asked: “Open and diverse? Value freedom of speech? Is that why Tommy Robinson is trapped in prison while UK media is forbidden from covering it?”

Kirk’s tweet earned him hero status among Robinson’s followers. They supported Kirk because they saw him as a kindred spirit in the global fight against “woke” culture, mass immigration, and threats to Western (and particularly Judeo-Christian) values.

As one reporter wrote, “[Kirk’s] muscular and brash Christian nationalism, populism and patriotism chimed with Robinson’s views, and the pair became allies.”

Kirk’s assassination on September 10, while speaking at Utah Valley University, was a shot heard ‘round the world. His murder was a direct assault on free speech, and whether the rest of the world loves us or hates us, it made them shudder too. Why? Because America is the birthplace of free speech thanks to its founding documents, legal framework, and cultural embrace of open discourse—If we lose free speech here, it’s game over for everyone else too.

That’s one reason Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” rally was concurrently promoted as a “free speech festival” and a memorial march, drawing record crowds. A vigil for Charlie Kirk the night before in London saw a thousand people light candles, with speakers hailing Kirk as a “Christian martyr” as they called for a “war on evil.”

The Metropolitan police reported later that “at least 25 people were arrested and 26 officers were injured.” But since they were so far off in reporting the number of people attending, I would have to question everything else that’s been reported from their mainstream media.

The rally itself was electric.  It featured tributes to Kirk, including chants, banners with his image, and a moment of silence followed by bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace.” There were signs reading “Freedom of Speech is Dead – RIP Charlie Kirk” and a massive banner proclaimed, “In Memory of Our Fallen Brother.” 

Actor and conservative political influencer James Woods described it this way:

Regardless of what the headlines are telling us now, videos show the huge crowd having a peaceful, passionate time celebrating their country. This X post tells of “A heartfelt ending of love, warmth and patriotism singing Jerusalem and Tommy asking people to thank the police when leaving.” 

Another attendee posted:

My first march, it was incredible I met people from all over the UK, around the world, different races an amazing free speech event. This hymn Jerusalem sung so beautifully by this young lady was amazing it makes me feel emotional.

Indeed, the U.K.’s favorite hymn and unofficial anthem wafted lovingly over the masses.

Based on the writing of English poet William Blake, the song incorporates an ancient myth of a young Jesus coming to England with Joseph of Arimathea. The hymn, however, is more widely interpreted as a celebration of the arrival of Christianity in England. It was a perfect way to end the rally, and I think Charlie Kirk would have been pleased with the turnout—and the song.

And did those feet in ancient time

Walk upon England’s mountains green:

And was the holy Lamb of God,

On England’s pleasant pastures seen!

And did the Countenance Divine,

Shine forth upon our clouded hills?

And was Jerusalem builded here,

Among these dark Satanic Mills?

Bring me my Bow of burning gold:

Bring me my arrows of desire:

Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!

Bring me my Chariot of fire!

I will not cease from Mental Fight,

Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand:

Till we have built Jerusalem,

In England’s green & pleasant Land.

Susan D. Harris can be reached at www.susandharris.com.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.