Tens of thousands of people took part in a ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally in London on Saturday, honoring Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist who was recently killed in an assassination. The event, organized by activist Tommy Robinson, featured a tribute video highlighting Kirk’s life and contributions, including a viral clip of him giving life advice to a 13-year-old girl at a Turning Point USA event. The rally was described as a demonstration for free speech, defense of British heritage, and cultural identity.
Elon Musk, who joined the event via video link, condemned the left for the murder, calling them ‘the party of murder’ and warning of the dangers of stifling free speech. Musk’s comments were met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd, which also chanted, ‘We want our country back!’ The rally included demonstrations carrying the red and white St. George’s Cross flag of England and the Union Jack, with many participants carrying signs such as ‘Freedom of speech is dead. RIP Charlie Kirk.’
Police estimated the crowd at about 110,000 people, while organizers claimed the figure was in the ‘millions.’ A rival protest drew about 5,000 marchers. Musk’s involvement in the event was seen as significant, with Robinson praising him for purchasing Twitter and lifting bans on right-wing commentators, stating that Saturday’s event would not have been possible without him. He also criticized the BBC for being ‘complicit in the destruction of Britain,’ accusing it of enabling mass migration and importing new voters.
The rallies come as the U.K. is riven by debate over migrants crossing the English Channel in overcrowded boats to arrive without authorization. Musk warned of the dangers of stifling free speech and said the U.K. was at a critical point in its history. He emphasized the importance of freedom of speech as the essence of democracy and a government for the people, by the people. He also highlighted the need for a government that protects its citizens, warning of the rapidly increasing erosion of Britain with massive, uncontrolled migration.