What began as a weekend meant to highlight peace and community solidarity in Tower Hamlets turned into a scene that stirred mixed reactions across London.
A local businessman and social media personality known as Big Fish — or Trendz to his followers — found himself at the center of the conversation after joining masked demonstrators and calling for calm between divided groups.
A Rally Meant for Peace Turns into a Scene of Division
The protest unfolded in Whitechapel, East London, after police blocked a planned UKIP march that had been billed as a campaign to “reclaim” the area.
Tower Hamlets, home to one of the largest Muslim communities in Britain, became the focus of attention as hundreds took to the streets to show defiance against what they saw as far-right provocation.
Many of the young men in attendance wore black hoodies and balaclavas, waving Bangladesh and Palestine flags.
They declared they were “ready to defend their community” — a statement that sparked both support and concern online.
‘Big Fish’ Speaks Out to His Followers
Before the protest, Big Fish, who has over 26,000 followers on Instagram, had promoted the event on social media, sharing videos alongside Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman.
In one clip, the mayor encouraged residents to come out in solidarity and celebrate diversity in the face of far-right threats.
But during the demonstration, Big Fish drew attention for another reason — he was seen selling £5 balaclavas to protesters while encouraging them to stay safe.
“No face, no case,” he told his followers in a video, suggesting that covering their faces would help them avoid police identification.
He added cheerfully, “My brothers, please start buying them now… I want to make sure we’ve got enough stock for the ends.”
A Call for Unity or a Message Misunderstood?
While some saw Big Fish’s actions as a show of community unity, others online expressed concern that his message was being taken the wrong way.
In one local Facebook group, residents shared worries about the tone of his video.
One user wrote, “Why are we talking about balaclavas and violence if the event was supposed to be peaceful?” Another questioned why masked men were being encouraged to attend, saying it made them uncomfortable.
For his part, Big Fish later insisted that the protest was not about hate or violence.
“We’re here to stand our ground in our own area — Tower Hamlets,” he said in one of his videos.
“We love this country as much as anyone else. We were born here and raised here. We just want respect.”
The Mayor’s Role and a History of Controversy
Mayor Lutfur Rahman, who appeared in several of Big Fish’s posts, is no stranger to controversy.
Previously banned from office after being found guilty of vote-rigging and intimidation, he made a political comeback in 2022 when he was re-elected as Tower Hamlets’ independent mayor.
In his recorded message, Rahman told residents, “The far right is coming to Tower Hamlets.
We must show our unity and diversity.” He later clarified that the protest should remain peaceful, even advising participants not to wear masks.
Community Divided Over the Demonstration
The sight of masked men chanting slogans such as “Allahu Akbar” and “Zionist scum off our streets” raised alarm among campaigners and members of the public.
Groups like the Campaign Against Antisemitism criticized the Metropolitan Police, accusing them of allowing “extremist mobs” to march freely after banning the UKIP event.
One local resident expressed frustration, saying, “I don’t support UKIP, but I also don’t understand why there’s talk of intimidation when the protest was canceled.”
Police Under Fire for Handling of the Event
The Metropolitan Police found themselves in the spotlight after the weekend’s events.
Critics claimed officers were too lenient with masked demonstrators, while others argued that the force had taken the right precautions to prevent violence.
A police spokesperson defended their approach, explaining that they had not banned UKIP’s protest entirely, but restricted it from taking place in Tower Hamlets “to prevent serious disruption and disorder.”
They added that similar powers had been used in other areas — including around synagogues and Jewish neighborhoods — to ensure safety and prevent clashes.
Only one arrest was made that day for possession of an offensive weapon.
UKIP Protest Moved to Central London
While Tower Hamlets saw the counter-demonstration unfold, UKIP’s own protest was redirected to central London under the Public Order Act.
Officers said the original plan posed a “realistic prospect of serious disorder,” prompting them to move it out of the borough.
The event was part of UKIP’s so-called “mass deportations tour,” with organisers vowing to “reclaim Whitechapel from the Islamists” — a statement that drew condemnation from many Londoners and community leaders.
Tower Hamlets Council Calls for Calm
In the aftermath, Tower Hamlets Council issued a statement praising police efforts and emphasizing the borough’s unity.
“Tower Hamlets is one of the most diverse and harmonious areas in the country,” the spokesperson said, noting that 91% of residents report getting along well with each other.
They added, “We will continue to champion community cohesion and diversity in a borough proud of both its history and heritage.”
A Community at a Crossroads
The scenes in Tower Hamlets have left many wondering how best to balance free expression with safety and unity.
For Big Fish, his message remains one of togetherness — though critics argue that his methods may have blurred the line between solidarity and provocation.
In his final message after the protest, he urged peace: “We love this country, and we’re not here for hate. We’re just standing firm for our home.”
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