LONDON (AP) — Thousands of demonstrators packed London streets for several blocks Saturday for a march organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.

The “Unite the Kingdom” rally got underway as much smaller numbers of counterprotesters, organized by the Stand Up To Racism group, were gathered under the banner of the “March Against Fascism.”

More than 1,000 police officers were on duty to patrol the dueling demonstrations and there was a buffer zone to keep the two from engaging with each other near the halls of government.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon and is known for his nationalist and anti-migrant views, billed the march as a demonstration for free speech, and also said it was in defense of British heritage and culture.

The marches come at a time when the U.

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