Thousands gathered in central London to protest US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK. The Metropolitan Police estimated 5,000 participants at the rally in Parliament Square, organised by the Stop Trump Coalition. As Trump enjoyed royal honours at Windsor Castle, demonstrators voiced opposition to his policies on immigration, Gaza, and far-right politics.
The demonstration started near the BBC headquarters, with protesters carrying banners supporting Palestine, rejecting fascism, and featuring the famous Trump baby blimp from 2019. Drumming and chants of “Say it loud, say it clear: Donald Trump is not welcome here” filled the air. Former teacher Dave Lockett, 67, told AFP, “He’s sowing destruction. If Trump’s ideas spread, it’s fascism in Britain.”
Green Party leader Zack Polanski addressed the crowd, saying, “We are united to say this is not in our name.” Comedian Nish Kumar hosted the rally, with speakers from Amnesty International UK, Black Lives Matter UK, and the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Doctor Yashi Sriram, 32, held a sign reading “End the genocide. Stop Trump,” focusing on solidarity with Palestinians.
As Donald Trump arrives in UK, protests erupt across London
Demonstrators are rallying 'against war, racism and capitalism' pic.twitter.com/Av9vmshiuo
— RT (@RT_com) September 17, 2025Over 1,600 police officers, including 500 from other forces, ensured the event passed peacefully, with no arrests reported. A small counter-protest with a “We Love Trump” sign drew boos but no incidents. Heavy security kept the public away from Trump’s itinerary, which included a Windsor Castle banquet and carriage ride.
Read: Trump Lands in UK for Second State Visit Amid Protests
A YouGov/Sky poll showed nearly half of Britons think inviting Trump was wrong, with only a quarter believing it improves US-UK relations. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a Trump critic, wrote in The Guardian that Trump’s actions “fan the flames of divisive, far-right politics.” This follows a far-right rally by Tommy Robinson that injured 26 officers.
As #Trump enjoys a state banquet in Windsor, people are marching through the streets of London to demonstrate against his policies
“At this historical juncture, when authoritarian laws and practices are multiplying the world over, we must – & we will – continue to resist” pic.twitter.com/kf1BH2UR7m
— Stefan Simanowitz (@StefSimanowitz) September 17, 2025The protests reflect widespread UK opposition to Trump’s policies, highlighting tensions in the US-UK alliance. As Trump meets King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the demonstrations underscore public sentiment. The event tests Starmer’s government, balancing diplomacy with domestic concerns.
London’s 5,000-strong anti-Trump protest during his 2025 state visit shows strong public dissent. With chants and banners, demonstrators made their message clear.
