Zack Polanski joins anti-war demonstrators in Whitehall as mass protests sweep central London, with calls for a ceasefire and opposition to rising far-right politics.”

London’s historic centre was transformed yesterday as vast crowds filled Whitehall and Trafalgar Square in what organisers described as one of the largest anti–far-right demonstrations in modern British history.

Organisers estimated that around 500,000 people took part in the march, while police figures were significantly lower, reflecting the familiar dispute over crowd size that often follows major protests. Regardless of the precise number, the scale of the demonstration was unmistakable, with central London brought to a near standstill by the sheer volume of participants.

The march moved through the capital like a slow, determined tide, with demonstrators gathering along Whitehall before converging on Trafalgar Square. The atmosphere was charged but largely peaceful, defined by a sense of urgency and collective purpose.

Placards and banners carried a wide range of messages, from opposition to racism and far-right ideology to criticism of government policy and economic inequality. Palestinian flags were prominently displayed throughout the crowd, alongside calls for an end to the war in the Middle East, reflecting the increasingly global scope of the protest movement.

The demonstration was organised by a coalition of more than 100 groups, including trade unions, campaign organisations, and grassroots networks. The breadth of participation gave the event a distinctly broad and multicultural character, with people of all ages and backgrounds represented.

Among those addressing the crowds was Green Party deputy leader Zack Polanski, who delivered a speech warning of the growing influence of right-wing populism. He told demonstrators that “the tide is turning,” framing the protest as part of a wider pushback against political forces he and others argue are deepening division both in the UK and internationally.

He was joined by a range of political figures, activists, and public personalities, including celebrities who lent their voices to the rally. Speakers drew connections between domestic political trends and international developments, particularly what many described as the spread of “Trump-style” politics beyond the United States.

The war in the Middle East and the situation in Palestine featured prominently throughout the event, with many protesters expressing solidarity with Palestinian civilians and calling for an end to the conflict. The blending of domestic and international issues underscored the extent to which global politics is now shaping protest movements on British streets.

While the march remained overwhelmingly peaceful, the Metropolitan Police reported a small number of arrests linked to isolated incidents and separate demonstrations occurring nearby. A limited counter-protest presence also highlighted the deeply polarised political environment in which the march took place.

For many participants, the demonstration was not simply a protest but a statement of intent. It reflected a growing sense of unease about the direction of politics both at home and abroad, as well as a determination among those to push back against what they see as rising extremism.

Whether the event marks a turning point or a moment of expression remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that for several hours on Saturday, central London became the focal point of a movement seeking to challenge the political status quo—and to make itself impossible to ignore.