Unwelcome in Britain: London’s Streets Overflow as Protesters Reject Trump Visit

 

London was brought to a standstill on Tuesday as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets to protest the visit of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The crowds made up of students, trade unionists, families, and activists gathered across the capital with a clear message: Trump is not welcome in the United Kingdom.

From early morning, protesters assembled in Trafalgar Square before marching toward Parliament, their chants echoing through central London. Homemade placards, inflatable caricatures, and music set the tone of a demonstration that organizers described as both festive and defiant.

At the center of the protest was the now-famous "Trump Baby Blimp," a giant orange balloon depicting Trump as a scowling infant in a diaper. First flown during his state visit in 2018, the balloon has become a symbol of resistance against the former president’s policies and rhetoric. On Tuesday, it hovered once again over Westminster as marchers cheered.

“We are here to show solidarity and to say clearly that the values Trump represents—division, racism, misogyny—are not values we accept,” said Sarah Ahmed, a teacher from East London who joined the march with her teenage children. “The U.K. should not roll out the red carpet for someone who spreads hate.”

The protest was organized by a coalition of activist groups, including Stop Trump UK, Stand Up to Racism, and climate campaigners. While numbers are difficult to verify, police sources estimated the crowd in the “tens of thousands,” making it one of the largest demonstrations in London this year.

Trump’s visit, his first to the U.K. since leaving office, was billed by supporters as an opportunity to strengthen ties with British political allies. However, opposition parties and civic leaders criticized the government for extending the invitation, arguing it undermined Britain’s commitment to human rights and international cooperation.

Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said in a statement: “The government should be standing up for decency and democracy, not entertaining those who undermine them. Today’s protests reflect the deep unease people feel about Trump’s toxic politics.”

The former president’s motorcade avoided the main protest route, though he could hardly have missed the scale of opposition. From the balconies of government buildings, chants of “Dump Trump” and “No to Racism” were clearly audible.

Not everyone in London opposed his visit. A smaller group of counter-protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy, waving American flags and banners reading “Welcome Trump.” Their numbers, however, were dwarfed by the mass march across central London.

For many, the demonstrations were not just about Trump, but about the broader political climate. Campaigners linked their protests to global struggles over climate change, refugee rights, and the rise of far-right movements. “This isn’t just about one man,” said James O’Leary, a student protester. “It’s about showing that ordinary people won’t stay silent when leaders peddle hate.”

As night fell, crowds dispersed peacefully, with only minor scuffles reported by police. Yet the message reverberated far beyond London: Trump may still command loyalty among supporters in the U.S., but in Britain his presence remains profoundly divisive.

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