Key Highlights
- A social media businessman sold £5 balaclavas to “Muslim brothers” before a London counter-protest.
- The protest was in response to a UKIP march banned from Tower Hamlets due to concerns of serious disorder.
- The mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, was seen supporting the counter-demonstration.
- UKIP supporters marched with Union Jack flags and anti-Islam banners, while left-wing protesters confronted them in Marble Arch.
A Clash of Ideologies: UKIP Counter-Protest in London
The tension between far-right political groups and the Muslim community reached a boiling point on October 25, 2025, as a controversial counter-protest unfolded in Tower Hamlets, east London. The event was sparked by the banning of a UK Independence Party (UKIP) march due to concerns of serious disorder.
Selling Balaclavas for Preparedness
On the eve of the protest, a community leader, known as “Big Fish,” took to selling £5 balaclavas in an east London Facebook group. Emphasizing the need for preparedness, he stated: “No face no case.” This statement quickly went viral, raising concerns among local residents about potential intimidation and inciting violence on their streets. Big Fish explained his motives: “What’s going on my people? In all our shops… this Saturday inshallah if you guys need it, £5 each.”
Protest Organizing and Key Figures
The counter-protest was organized against the backdrop of UKIP’s planned march in Tower Hamlets, which had been banned by local authorities. The mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, a controversial figure known for his involvement in vote-rigging allegations, played an active role in supporting the protest.
Big Fish was seen on stage alongside masked protesters during the demonstration, delivering speeches with a megaphone and waving a large Bangladeshi flag. His presence highlighted the community’s determination to stand firm against perceived threats from far-right groups.
Demonstrations and Confrontations
The UKIP march was redirected by police to Marble Arch in central London, while left-wing counter-protesters were instructed to stay within Whitechapel. This decision led to a series of confrontations. At Marble Arch, four protesters supporting Stand Up To Racism were arrested for defying the ban.
In Whitechapel, UKIP supporters waved Union Jack flags and anti-Islam banners, while left-wing demonstrators chanted messages in Arabic.
The mayor’s support for the counter-protest was seen as a significant factor influencing local sentiment. Despite restrictions, the turnout of around 75 people indicated strong community backing for the cause.
Broader Context and Reactions
The incident in Tower Hamlets is part of a larger trend of political polarization in the UK. The banning of UKIP’s march due to fears of serious disorder reflects ongoing tensions between far-right groups and Muslim communities. Local residents expressed concerns about the promotion of balaclavas, seeing it as an incitement to violence.
The incident also highlighted the complex dynamics at play, with community leaders like Big Fish playing a significant role in shaping public perception and mobilizing support. The involvement of controversial figures such as Lutfur Rahman added another layer of complexity to the situation.
Conclusion
The counter-protest in Tower Hamlets on October 25, 2025, underscored the deep-seated tensions between far-right political groups and Muslim communities. The selling of balaclavas by a community leader and the active support from controversial local figures like Lutfur Rahman reflect broader societal divisions and the challenges faced in maintaining peace and order.
