Thousands of demonstrators gathered in central London and other British cities in a series of protests linked to President Donald Trump’s second state visit, calling on the UK government to adopt a firmer stance with Washington and assert the nation’s sovereign interests.

The marches, organised by the Stop Trump Coalition and allied groups, saw protesters brandish placards and slogans criticising what they described as excessive deference by British political leaders to the US president and urging Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government to “stand up” to Trump’s agenda and rhetoric.

Protesters assembled near major thoroughfares such as Portland Place and Parliament Square, voicing opposition to Trump’s domestic and foreign policies and criticising the red-carpet treatment afforded to him during the state visit.

The Stop Trump Coalition, which has a history of mobilising around US political issues in the UK, described the demonstrations as a message to the British government that public opinion demanded a more robust and independent foreign policy posture towards the United States.

The mood among many demonstrators reflected broader concerns about social, economic and security issues they associate with Trump’s leadership style.

The demonstrations were largely peaceful, though police deployed significant resources to manage crowds and ensure public safety.

Metropolitan Police reported that several thousand people participated in the central London march, with contingents of activists also gathering in other cities.

Slogans emphasised core themes of democracy, human rights and opposition to perceived far-right ideologies, with some speakers and participants directly criticising the UK government’s diplomatic approach.

The protests come amid broader debates in Britain about the nature of the UK-US relationship and the extent to which the government should challenge or accommodate American policies.

While Prime Minister Starmer has reaffirmed the importance of the transatlantic alliance, including cooperation on security and trade, some political commentators and civil society figures have called for clearer articulation of UK priorities and values in engagements with allies.

Calls from demonstrators urging the government to “grow a spine” in dealings with Washington reflect these tensions, even as official statements continue to underscore the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

The Stop Trump Coalition’s demonstrations and public calls for assertive UK leadership illustrate continuing political activism around international diplomacy and domestic political alignment, even as state-level interactions proceed with ceremony and formal discourse.