Who are the Together Alliance?
On Saturday morning, dozens of coaches will depart from across the country, including ten from Manchester alone, to participate in a march from Park Lane to Trafalgar Square at midday. The event is organised by the Together Alliance, a coalition that includes the anti-discrimination group Stand Up to Racism. Sabby Dhalu, a representative of the alliance, stated that the formation of the Together Alliance was a direct response to the rise in far-right sentiment following September’s "unite the kingdom" demonstration.
“The overwhelming majority of people reject the racism, Islamophobia, division, hatred and violence promoted by Tommy Robinson and the far right.
“This Saturday we will demonstrate that clearly. Tens of thousands will take to the streets of central London, bringing the same spirit of unity that helped bring the racist riots of 2024 to a halt.”
The march will feature two stages: one on Whitehall for speeches and another in Trafalgar Square for musical performances. Both events are free to attend and will include cross-party speakers and award-winning musicians such as Self Esteem, Jessie Ware, Katy B, Joy Crookes, UB40, Fontaines DC, the Charlatans, and Hot Chip.
Musician Billy Bragg expressed optimism about the event, stating that the "politics of division" can be countered when people unite. He anticipated that the turnout would surpass that of the "unite the kingdom" rally.
For additional context on today’s march, refer to our First edition newsletter.
Met will have 'significant policing presence' as part of plan for weekend protests
The Metropolitan Police have announced a "significant policing presence" in Westminster on Saturday, anticipating several large protests. Alongside the marches organised by the Together Alliance and the Palestine Coalition, multiple protests against the Iranian regime—including static assemblies and marches—are scheduled in the Westminster area on both Saturday and Sunday.
The police have invoked conditions under the Public Order Act to ensure that only pre-agreed rally areas are used, fixed routes are followed, and specified end times are observed. Dispersal zones will be enforced if gatherings occur outside agreed locations that cause disruption, harassment, or intimidation.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “This is going to be a busy weekend for our officers but we have detailed plans in place to ensure all groups protesting this weekend can do so lawfully and without causing serious disruption to other Londoners, businesses or visitors.”
“I am mindful that it is less than a week since the appalling arson attack in Golders Green which will only have compounded already heightened fears in the Jewish community.
“We take these fears seriously and have carefully considered them in our planning, balancing them as we are required to do against the rights of others to lawful protest.”
Hundreds of thousands expected to gather in London for march against far right
Good morning. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to gather in central London to support what is anticipated to be the largest multicultural march in UK history on Saturday.
Scotland Yard confirmed a significant police presence in the capital as two major marches will converge in Westminster. One march, organised by the Together Alliance, will be followed by speeches and musical performances. The event reportedly has the support of celebrities including comedian Sir Lenny Henry and singer Paloma Faith, although neither is expected to attend in person.
Participants will march from Park Lane at 1pm, concluding on Whitehall, while a music event will take place in Trafalgar Square featuring artists such as former Little Mix singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock.
A separate march organised by the Palestine Coalition will assemble at the southern end of Exhibition Road from midday, proceeding towards Hyde Park Corner. Demonstrators will then turn onto Piccadilly, joining the Together Alliance’s route before both groups gather for a rally on Whitehall.
A video message from London Mayor Sadiq Khan will be shown to attendees at the Whitehall stage, and Green Party leader Zack Polanski is expected to deliver a speech.
Musician Billy Bragg said on Friday that participants hoped to “send out a message to our fellow citizens that we are willing to take a stand against [the politics of hate] being imported into the UK.”
