Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters gathered in London on Saturday for a “Unite the Kingdom” rally to protest immigration policies. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is once again making headlines as a leading figure in Britain’s far-right movement. The rally saw a large police presence to prevent clashes with counter-protesters.
Robinson has been a polarizing figure in British politics since founding the far-right Islamophobic organisation, the English Defense League (EDL), in 2009. Despite organizing the rally, he could not attend it due to his arrest on Friday.
Photo courtesy: AFP
Most recently, Robinson has been at the center of unrest in Britain following a mass stabbing in Southport that left three children dead. He reportedly spread misinformation on social media, falsely claiming the attacker was a Muslim asylum seeker, leading to violent riots across the country, with protesters chanting his name and criticism from far-right groups and anti-racism activists. The tension between them increased.
Saturday’s demonstration came amid rising tensions over immigration, with more than 29,578 asylum seekers crossing the English Channel this year – more than the total for 2023, Reuters reports. His supporters argue that Britain is beset by not only immigration but “Islamization”, while critics, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, label the unrest he has instigated as racist.
Photo courtesy: AFP
Participants at Saturday’s rally waved British flags and carried placards that echoed Robinson’s nationalist sentiments. Police were deployed from across the country to monitor both incidents and ensure public safety. Many people were seen carrying banners with slogans about former US President Donald Trump, reflecting the influence of right-wing ideology shared across the world.
Robinson, known for his anti-Islam rhetoric, has previously faced multiple criminal convictions, including assault and contempt of court. He has also been banned from major social media platforms due to his controversial statements and actions. However, they regained access to social media platform
He is currently in police custody and faces charges related to contempt of court for repeatedly violating an order that prevents him from making defamatory statements about Syrian refugee Jamal Hijazi. In 2021, Robinson was found guilty of defamation after falsely accusing Hijazi of attacking girls at school. Robinson is scheduled to appear in court on Monday. If found guilty, he will be sentenced to up to 4 years in jail.
