Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered across the United Kingdom today to protest the arrival of former U.S. President Donald Trump on his second official state visit. From central London to cities including Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff, streets filled with placards, chants, and large coordinated marches expressing opposition to Trump’s policies and presence.
A Nationwide Response
In London, crowds converged around Trafalgar Square before marching toward Parliament. Protesters carried banners with messages criticizing Trump’s stance on immigration, climate change, and women’s rights. The now-famous “Trump baby blimp”, first flown during his 2018 visit, was once again raised above the city skyline, drawing cheers from demonstrators.
Organisers reported more than 100,000 participants in London alone, though police estimates were lower. Several other UK cities held parallel rallies, with trade unions, human rights groups, and student organisations joining forces to amplify the message.
Political Reactions
Trump’s visit included meetings with senior members of the Royal Family and high-level talks with the Prime Minister at Downing Street. The government emphasised the importance of maintaining strong ties with the United States, describing the visit as an opportunity to reinforce cooperation on trade and security.
However, opposition parties and several MPs openly criticised the invitation. Labour leaders said the scale of public demonstrations underscored widespread concern about hosting Trump with the full honours of a state visit.
Voices From the Street
Many attendees cited specific grievances:
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- “We’re here to show that Trump’s policies on refugees and minorities don’t reflect our values,” said one protester from Birmingham.
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- Others raised environmental concerns, pointing to Trump’s withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord during his presidency.
Despite the large turnout, police described the protests as largely peaceful, with only a handful of arrests made for minor disturbances. Officers maintained a heavy presence around Westminster and Buckingham Palace to manage crowds and safeguard official events.
Looking Ahead
While the state visit proceeded with ceremonial events, the scale of the demonstrations highlighted deep divisions in UK public opinion. Analysts suggested the protests may place additional pressure on UK leaders to balance diplomatic formalities with domestic concerns over Trump’s legacy.
For many demonstrators, the goal was symbolic. “We know we can’t stop the visit,” said one organiser, “but we can make sure the world sees that Trump’s values are not our values.”
