In a vivid reminder of the fuel that identity politics can provide, at least 25 people were arrested on Saturday when far-right protesters clashed with police in London. The anti-immigrant march drew more than 100,000 participants, making it one of the largest such gatherings in recent memory.
On the opposite side of Trafalgar Square, around 5,000 people rallied under the banner “Stand Up To Racism”, creating a striking visual contrast. Police said they deployed 1,600 officers to maintain order, including 500 from outside the city, a testament to the scale of the operation.
For young global citizens and business innovators, London's weekend unrest offers a case study in how social movements intersect with public policy. While far-right groups have gained traction in several G20 nations, counter-protest movements are also mobilizing fast, often leveraging social media to coordinate in real time.
Yet the real question remains: will this clash narrow the path toward meaningful dialogue on immigration and diversity, or will it harden positions on both sides? As students, activists, and digital nomads watch from afar, London's streets have become a microcosm of the larger debate shaping democracies worldwide.
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UK: 25 arrested as far-right protesters clash with police in London
cgtn.com
