Charlie Kirk Killing Used to Rally Support for UK’s Largest Far-Right Gathering in Decades
In what is shaping up to be one of the most significant far-right demonstrations seen in the UK in years, the killing of Charlie Kirk has been thrust into the spotlight by organiser Tommy Robinson as he builds momentum ahead of this weekend’s rally in central London.
The event, already attracting international speakers and supporters, is expected to pull in tens of thousands.
Among those confirmed to speak is Steve Bannon, the former strategist to Donald Trump, whose appearance is likely to amplify the rally’s reach beyond UK borders.
Chants of “Christ is king” as huge crowds turn out to Charlie Kirk’s memorial in London
— Tommy Robinson (@TRobinsonNewEra) September 12, 2025
Other high-profile names include ex-special forces operative Ant Middleton, a German AfD party MP, and a Polish far-right MEP.
The American presence is bolstered further by Joey Mannarino, a controversial right-wing commentator known for provocative remarks such as, “All rape cases have just become fake to me.”
However, uncertainty clouds whether Canadian psychologist and culture commentator Jordan Peterson will attend.
Though listed in promotional material and probative of Robinson online, Peterson has remained silent in recent days.
His involvement could raise fresh questions about his ties to the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship( bow), a conservative networking event that has preliminarily drawn political heavyweights including Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage.
This rally, dubbed “Unite the Kingdom,” is being aggressively promoted as a “free speech festival” by organisers but has raised deep concerns among anti-extremism groups.
Hope Not Hate estimates that over 40,000 attendees could converge in London’s streets, with concerns about the spread of anti-immigrant rhetoric and extremist networks growing louder.
In a video message to supporters on Thursday, Robinson framed the tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s death as the result of “the bastard who has murdered him, or the organisation, the corporation or the government it is that has killed him.”
The suspect, a 22- time-old man linked as Tyler Robinson from Utah, has been arrested in connection with the firing.
The rally’s core support reportedly comes from networks linked to football hoodlum enterprises and far-right groups, similar to the English Defence League( EDL).
Christian nationalists, particularly following Robinson’s recent prison release, are expected to form a significant portion of the crowd.
Many others are drawn from protests targeting asylum-seeker housing and broader anti-immigration sentiments.
Tommy Robinson’s political ambitions are increasingly entwined with his Advance UK party, formed by ex-Reform UK members including Ben Habib.
Though Advance UK’s official launch is scheduled for next month, the rally’s organisers see this as a springboard for future political influence.
Nick Lowles from Hope Not Hate questioned, “What does this rally signify politically? One scenario is that people will coalesce around Tommy Robinson and Advance UK, but it will require him to step up.”
Lowles added that Robinson’s branding efforts, fundraising appeals targeting £300,000, and merchandising campaigns suggest a calculated attempt to capitalise on his following.
Observers worry that this could also spark internal battles within the far-right landscape, particularly with leaders such as Nigel Farage.
In response to past incidents of violence at rallies involving Robinson, the Metropolitan Police has imposed restrictions, including a freeze on new leave bookings for officers.
Commander Clair Haynes, overseeing public order policing, acknowledged concerns among London’s Muslim communities but firmly advised against altering daily routines.
“There have been some suggestions that Muslim Londoners should change their behaviour this Saturday, including not coming into town. That is not our advice,” Haynes said. “Everyone should be able to feel safe travelling into and around London.”
The Met verified that officers would be stationed in significant numbers to ensure safety across the megacity, especially as other events similar to football institutions will add to policing demands.
Alongside the far-right rally, Stand Up to Racism has organised a counter-demonstration at Whitehall, led by Women Against the Far Right and supported by MPs Zarah Sultana and Diane Abbott.
Abbott condemned extremist groups, stating, “The far right is a menace to the whole of society. Their first targets, asylum seekers and Muslims, are broadening to all migrants, black people and on to trade unionists, all religious minorities and anti-racists.”
Lowles warned of the growing pull towards the political right, suggesting that how this rally plays out could shape the next phase of the UK’s far-right movements.
This weekend’s events in London, combining ideology, outrage, and ambition, could mark a turning point in how extremist networks attempt to influence national discourse.
