THE GUARDIAN: Church leaders respond to far-right appropriation of Christian symbols with ‘Outsiders welcome’ message
The Church of England is to launch a poster campaign aimed at challenging the anti-migrant message of Tommy Robinson, whose “Unite the Kingdom” movement has urged its supporters to join a carols event next weekend to “put the Christ back into Christmas”.
The posters, which will go on display at bus stops, say “Christ has always been in Christmas” and “Outsiders welcome”. They will also be available for local churches to download and display over the festive period.
The C of E’s decision to challenge Robinson’s extreme rightwing stance comes amid growing unease among church leaders about the rise of Christian nationalism and the appropriation of Christian symbols to bolster the views of his supporters. » | Harriet Sherwood | Sunday, December 7, 2025
Is British politics immune to US-style rightwing Christianity? We’re about to find out: Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson are increasingly espousing Christian ‘values’, and a wealthy US legal group is becoming influential – this could have dire consequences »
Showing posts with label Tommy Robinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tommy Robinson. Show all posts
Sunday, December 07, 2025
Sunday, October 05, 2025
UK Jewish Groups Condemn Israeli Minister’s Invite to Tommy Robinson
THE GUARDIAN: Far-right activist described as ‘thug who represents worst of Britain’ after invitation to Israel sparks outrage
Plans by an Israeli minister to host the British far-right activist Tommy Robinson have been condemned by Jewish bodies in the UK and others.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council described Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as “a thug” who represented the “very worst of Britain”.
Both organisations spoke out after the Israeli diaspora minister, Amichai Chikli, said on Friday that Robinson would visit Israel this month after the terror attack on a Manchester synagogue. In a post on X, Chikli described Robinson as “a courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam”.
Robinson said he had accepted an invitation by the Israeli government to cover the cost of his flight and hotel stay for a few days, adding that he intended to travel after an appearance in court on 13 October.
He said he would visit the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, to meet government leaders andvisit “Judea and Samaria”, a term typically used by rightwing Israeli politicians for the West Bank.
However, the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council said of Robinson: “His presence undermines those genuinely working to tackle Islamist extremism and foster community cohesion.”
“Minister Chikli has proven himself to be a diaspora minister in name only. In our darkest hour, he has ignored the views of the vast majority of British Jews, who utterly and consistently reject Robinson and everything he stands for,” they added. » | Ben Quinn | Sunday, October 5, 2025
Diaspora minister spars with main UK Jewish groups over his praise and invite for far-right activist: Groups slam Chikli for inviting Tommy Robinson to Israel, say most British Jews abhor him; minister retorts by accusing Board of Deputies, main Jewish representative group, of aligning with ‘left-wing, woke parties’ »
Plans by an Israeli minister to host the British far-right activist Tommy Robinson have been condemned by Jewish bodies in the UK and others.
The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council described Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as “a thug” who represented the “very worst of Britain”.
Both organisations spoke out after the Israeli diaspora minister, Amichai Chikli, said on Friday that Robinson would visit Israel this month after the terror attack on a Manchester synagogue. In a post on X, Chikli described Robinson as “a courageous leader on the front line against radical Islam”.
Robinson said he had accepted an invitation by the Israeli government to cover the cost of his flight and hotel stay for a few days, adding that he intended to travel after an appearance in court on 13 October.
He said he would visit the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, to meet government leaders andvisit “Judea and Samaria”, a term typically used by rightwing Israeli politicians for the West Bank.
However, the Board of Deputies and the Jewish Leadership Council said of Robinson: “His presence undermines those genuinely working to tackle Islamist extremism and foster community cohesion.”
“Minister Chikli has proven himself to be a diaspora minister in name only. In our darkest hour, he has ignored the views of the vast majority of British Jews, who utterly and consistently reject Robinson and everything he stands for,” they added. » | Ben Quinn | Sunday, October 5, 2025
Diaspora minister spars with main UK Jewish groups over his praise and invite for far-right activist: Groups slam Chikli for inviting Tommy Robinson to Israel, say most British Jews abhor him; minister retorts by accusing Board of Deputies, main Jewish representative group, of aligning with ‘left-wing, woke parties’ »
Sunday, September 21, 2025
‘Bitcoin Is the Free Speech of Money’: Fears Grow over Far Right’s Embrace of Crypto
THE OBSERVER: Hard-to trace digital transactions could lead to hostile states or criminal organisations secretly making political donations and threatening democracy
When Elon Musk appeared on huge screens dotted along Whitehall last weekend calling for thousands of attendees at far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom rally to “fight back… or die”, the tech billionaire’s image was accompanied by the logos of the event’s sponsors. All but one were cryptocurrencies.
It highlighted the arrival in Britain of a global pattern: the embrace by extreme rightwing movements of decentralised digital currencies.
Athena Bitcoin Global, one of the main sponsors of the event, which saw up to 150,000 people gather in central London, has been accused of profiting from cybercrime in the US.
This month, the attorney general for the District of Columbia (DC) accused the company, which makes bitcoin ATMs that exchange the cryptocurrency for cash and vice versa, of knowingly profiting from scams targeting elderly victims for “life-altering” sums of cash.
In a lawsuit filed against Athena, DC attorney general Brian Schwalb alleged that 93% of the deposits in that district in its first five months were “the product of outright fraud”. » | Catherine Neilan, Whitehall editor; John Simpson, Home affairs editor | Sunday, September 21, 2025
When Elon Musk appeared on huge screens dotted along Whitehall last weekend calling for thousands of attendees at far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson’s Unite the Kingdom rally to “fight back… or die”, the tech billionaire’s image was accompanied by the logos of the event’s sponsors. All but one were cryptocurrencies.
It highlighted the arrival in Britain of a global pattern: the embrace by extreme rightwing movements of decentralised digital currencies.
Athena Bitcoin Global, one of the main sponsors of the event, which saw up to 150,000 people gather in central London, has been accused of profiting from cybercrime in the US.
This month, the attorney general for the District of Columbia (DC) accused the company, which makes bitcoin ATMs that exchange the cryptocurrency for cash and vice versa, of knowingly profiting from scams targeting elderly victims for “life-altering” sums of cash.
In a lawsuit filed against Athena, DC attorney general Brian Schwalb alleged that 93% of the deposits in that district in its first five months were “the product of outright fraud”. » | Catherine Neilan, Whitehall editor; John Simpson, Home affairs editor | Sunday, September 21, 2025
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Tommy Robinson Protesters Attack Police
THE TELEGRAPH: Tommy Robinson’s supporters “kicked and punched” police officers during one of Britain’s largest ever Right-wing rallies, the Metropolitan Police has claimed.
More than 100,000 people descended on central London for the “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration on Saturday. It was organised by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
The Metropolitan Police said that as of 7.30pm, 25 people had been arrested for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage.
In a statement, Asst Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Officers went into today’s operation knowing it would be busy and potentially challenging. They policed without fear or favour and approached engagement with all protesters positively.
“There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.
“The violence [officers] faced was wholly unacceptable. Twenty-six officers were injured, including four seriously – among them [were] broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury. » | Albert Tait, Oscar Jaeger in central London | Saturday, September 13, 2025
More than 100,000 people descended on central London for the “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration on Saturday. It was organised by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
The Metropolitan Police said that as of 7.30pm, 25 people had been arrested for offences including affray, violent disorder, assaults and criminal damage.
In a statement, Asst Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Officers went into today’s operation knowing it would be busy and potentially challenging. They policed without fear or favour and approached engagement with all protesters positively.
“There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.
“The violence [officers] faced was wholly unacceptable. Twenty-six officers were injured, including four seriously – among them [were] broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury. » | Albert Tait, Oscar Jaeger in central London | Saturday, September 13, 2025
US Cash Turned Tommy Robinson into the Poster Boy of UK Far Right
THE OBSERVER: Outside the Old Bailey in 2018, a reinvented Tommy Robinson flashed his perfect new teeth to 2,000 diehard supporters at a “free Tommy” rally on a stage that blocked the street.
Robinson was suddenly flush with US funds that transformed him from rightwing agitator to self-styled “citizen journalist”, with slick videos and a vast social media following that helped his Unite the Kingdom demonstration draw 110,000 protesters to the streets of London on Saturday.
Money from one man – US tech billionaire Robert Shillman – ties Robinson to a Who’s Who of far-right influencers with millions of followers online. Among them was US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered in Utah last week.
Robinson’s reinvention for the social media age, which expanded his heavy focus on Muslims allegedly involved in child sexual abuse, was the result of his “Shillman fellowship” in 2017 to rightwing Canadian website Rebel Media – now called Rebel News – to the tune of about £85,000 over a year.
Shillman, who calls himself “Dr Bob”, citing his PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is said to be a key figure in the transatlantic “counter-jihad” movement. He has invested in about 20 fellowships, working with Rebel News and rightwing thinktank the David Horowitz Freedom Center (DHFC), where the aim is “to promote freedom and to expose the lies of the radical left, the Islamist movement, and their allies in the media”.
Shillman “fellows” at Rebel News included Katie Hopkins, the former reality TV star, who made a documentary on “the mass slaughter of South Africa’s whites” in September 2018, long before the conspiracy theory was repeated by Donald Trump in the White House. The idea of a white genocide in South Africa based on attacks on farmers has been repeatedly debunked. Soon after, Rebel News brought in a new Shillman fellow, Laura Loomer, who is now a powerful conspiracy theorist with such proximity to Trump that she is referred to as the president’s “de facto national security adviser”. » | John Simpson, Home affairs editor | Sunday, September 14, 2025
Robinson was suddenly flush with US funds that transformed him from rightwing agitator to self-styled “citizen journalist”, with slick videos and a vast social media following that helped his Unite the Kingdom demonstration draw 110,000 protesters to the streets of London on Saturday.
Money from one man – US tech billionaire Robert Shillman – ties Robinson to a Who’s Who of far-right influencers with millions of followers online. Among them was US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was murdered in Utah last week.
Robinson’s reinvention for the social media age, which expanded his heavy focus on Muslims allegedly involved in child sexual abuse, was the result of his “Shillman fellowship” in 2017 to rightwing Canadian website Rebel Media – now called Rebel News – to the tune of about £85,000 over a year.
Shillman, who calls himself “Dr Bob”, citing his PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is said to be a key figure in the transatlantic “counter-jihad” movement. He has invested in about 20 fellowships, working with Rebel News and rightwing thinktank the David Horowitz Freedom Center (DHFC), where the aim is “to promote freedom and to expose the lies of the radical left, the Islamist movement, and their allies in the media”.
Shillman “fellows” at Rebel News included Katie Hopkins, the former reality TV star, who made a documentary on “the mass slaughter of South Africa’s whites” in September 2018, long before the conspiracy theory was repeated by Donald Trump in the White House. The idea of a white genocide in South Africa based on attacks on farmers has been repeatedly debunked. Soon after, Rebel News brought in a new Shillman fellow, Laura Loomer, who is now a powerful conspiracy theorist with such proximity to Trump that she is referred to as the president’s “de facto national security adviser”. » | John Simpson, Home affairs editor | Sunday, September 14, 2025
Thursday, August 21, 2025
EXCLUSIVE: Tommy Robinson's Far-right Moneymaker | The Story
Aug 21, 2025 | The Times can reveal the English Defence League founder is charging around £28 a minute for videos giving practical advice to supporters on migrant hotel protests and anti-Islam activism.
The private consultations raise concerns about the potential for radicalisation at a time of heightened tensions surrounding immigration issues.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times.
The private consultations raise concerns about the potential for radicalisation at a time of heightened tensions surrounding immigration issues.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times.
Tuesday, January 07, 2025
The Debate: Transatlantic Trolling: What Is Europe's Answer to Musk's Attacks? • FRANCE 24 English
Elon Musk's Dad Says Tommy Robinson Will Be Prime Minister of England?
Musk's Dad: Tommy Robinson Will Lead Britain, He's Like Mandela
Jan 7, 2025 | “History will tell you that there's a very good chance that Tommy Robinson will one day be the prime minister of England.”
Tommy Robinson’s imprisonment will lead to him becoming leader as it did with Nelson Mandela after he was sentenced to life in prison in South Africa in 1964, says Elon Musk’s father Errol Musk.
Tommy Robinson understands the problem this country and the West has with Islam pretty well — Did he read my book years ago, I wonder? — but he is hardly prime minister material.
Why is this Musk family interfering in the political affairs of other countries? Who do the Musks think they are? Having loads of dosh doesn’t give them the right to steer the politics of Western nations to the far right!
As an aside, it is pretty obvious to me that the Musks have got far more money than they have class (or common sense)! My advice to Musk and his father: STFU! – © Mark Alexander
Tommy Robinson’s imprisonment will lead to him becoming leader as it did with Nelson Mandela after he was sentenced to life in prison in South Africa in 1964, says Elon Musk’s father Errol Musk.
Tommy Robinson understands the problem this country and the West has with Islam pretty well — Did he read my book years ago, I wonder? — but he is hardly prime minister material.
Why is this Musk family interfering in the political affairs of other countries? Who do the Musks think they are? Having loads of dosh doesn’t give them the right to steer the politics of Western nations to the far right!
As an aside, it is pretty obvious to me that the Musks have got far more money than they have class (or common sense)! My advice to Musk and his father: STFU! – © Mark Alexander
Friday, November 01, 2024
‘He’s Like a Gangster’: How Tommy Robinson Became Leader of Britain’s Far Right
THE GUARDIAN: The activist’s latest imprisonment and run-in with the law may serve only to boost his popularity and brand of hatred
far-right activist Tommy Robinson was characteristically defiant. “Death, prison or glory, we will never submit to your lies,” he declared. “They want to send me to jail [but] the world will know I told the truth.”
On Monday, Robinson was duly sentenced to 18 months in prison for contempt of court. He had shown no remorse and there was no realistic prospect of rehabilitation, said Mr Justice Johnson at Woolwich crown court. “All of his actions so far suggest that he regards himself as above the law.”
In the dock, Robinson pumped his chest and saluted his loyal supporters in the public gallery. They blew kisses back. He was taken to Belmarsh high-security prison in south-east London.
The jailing of Robinson is the latest episode in his apparently inexorable rise from the owner of a tanning salon in Luton, Bedfordshire, to the brash pin-up hero of the far right in the UK, the US and beyond. He is, arguably, the most potent individual to have emerged on the British far right since Enoch Powell. » | Harriet Sherwood and Ben Quinn | Friday, November 1, 2024
far-right activist Tommy Robinson was characteristically defiant. “Death, prison or glory, we will never submit to your lies,” he declared. “They want to send me to jail [but] the world will know I told the truth.”
On Monday, Robinson was duly sentenced to 18 months in prison for contempt of court. He had shown no remorse and there was no realistic prospect of rehabilitation, said Mr Justice Johnson at Woolwich crown court. “All of his actions so far suggest that he regards himself as above the law.”
In the dock, Robinson pumped his chest and saluted his loyal supporters in the public gallery. They blew kisses back. He was taken to Belmarsh high-security prison in south-east London.
The jailing of Robinson is the latest episode in his apparently inexorable rise from the owner of a tanning salon in Luton, Bedfordshire, to the brash pin-up hero of the far right in the UK, the US and beyond. He is, arguably, the most potent individual to have emerged on the British far right since Enoch Powell. » | Harriet Sherwood and Ben Quinn | Friday, November 1, 2024
Friday, October 25, 2024
Tommy Robinson Charged under Terrorism Act before Far-right March in London
THE GUARDIAN: Met says it expects ‘busy day’ on Saturday as Stand Up to Racism and Chris Kaba rallies also planned
The far-right leader Tommy Robinson has been charged under the Terrorism Act and is being held in custody before a planned march of his supporters amid fears of a repeat of violence that erupted when he was imprisoned in 2018.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, handed himself in to Folkestone police station on Friday afternoon where he was charged with failing to provide the pin to his mobile phone under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. He was bailed to appear in court next month, Kent police said. He was then remanded in custody under a high court direction, the force said.
In July Robinson allegedly refused to give police access to his mobile phone when he was stopped under the Terrorism Act at the Channel tunnel. He had been bailed subject to returning to Folkestone police station.
He is also due to appear at Woolwich crown court on Monday on separate charges of contempt of court for repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee. Robinson’s supporters, who now control his X account, told his 1 million followers on the platform that he was being held on remand until Monday’s court appearance. » | Matthew Weaver | Friday, October 25, 2024
THE TELEGRAPH:
Tommy Robinson charged with terror offence after refusing police access to phone: Move follows far-Right activist’s arrest at port in July »
BBC:
Tommy Robinson remanded in custody ahead of court date: Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been taken into custody ahead of a major demonstration by his supporters in London this weekend. »
The far-right leader Tommy Robinson has been charged under the Terrorism Act and is being held in custody before a planned march of his supporters amid fears of a repeat of violence that erupted when he was imprisoned in 2018.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, handed himself in to Folkestone police station on Friday afternoon where he was charged with failing to provide the pin to his mobile phone under schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act. He was bailed to appear in court next month, Kent police said. He was then remanded in custody under a high court direction, the force said.
In July Robinson allegedly refused to give police access to his mobile phone when he was stopped under the Terrorism Act at the Channel tunnel. He had been bailed subject to returning to Folkestone police station.
He is also due to appear at Woolwich crown court on Monday on separate charges of contempt of court for repeating libellous allegations against a Syrian refugee. Robinson’s supporters, who now control his X account, told his 1 million followers on the platform that he was being held on remand until Monday’s court appearance. » | Matthew Weaver | Friday, October 25, 2024
THE TELEGRAPH:
Tommy Robinson charged with terror offence after refusing police access to phone: Move follows far-Right activist’s arrest at port in July »
BBC:
Tommy Robinson remanded in custody ahead of court date: Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has been taken into custody ahead of a major demonstration by his supporters in London this weekend. »
Wednesday, August 07, 2024
Emeutes au Royaume-Uni : qui est l’activiste d’extrême droite Tommy Robinson ?
Méfiez-vous ! Cette vidéo contient du langage grossier. / Beware! This video contains strong language. – Mark
Tuesday, August 06, 2024
Are the Authorities Powerless to Stop Tommy Robinson’s Online Output?
THE GUARDIAN: New laws may make it easier to pursue far-right activist over alleged role in spreading disinformation
Images of Tommy Robinson using his phone while sunbathing in Cyprus as a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers was set alight have prompted outrage among those long concerned about his ability to inspire far-right action, even from a distance.
Yet while he has long seemed able to operate with impunity, events may finally be catching up with the man who first rose to prominence in 2009 as the de facto leader of the now defunct English Defence League (EDL).
Far from being powerless to pursue Robinson, new legislation means the authorities may be able to move more easily against those who share damaging information online that they know to be untrue.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is already known to be among those who are being looked at by police for their alleged role in disseminating disinformation. » | Ben Quinn | Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Where are the brave inciters of Britain’s race riots? From Tommy to Elon, they’re far, far away: Thugs may be rampaging in the streets, but their leaders-from-behind are more likely to be found sipping cocktails by the pool »
Images of Tommy Robinson using his phone while sunbathing in Cyprus as a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers was set alight have prompted outrage among those long concerned about his ability to inspire far-right action, even from a distance.
Yet while he has long seemed able to operate with impunity, events may finally be catching up with the man who first rose to prominence in 2009 as the de facto leader of the now defunct English Defence League (EDL).
Far from being powerless to pursue Robinson, new legislation means the authorities may be able to move more easily against those who share damaging information online that they know to be untrue.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is already known to be among those who are being looked at by police for their alleged role in disseminating disinformation. » | Ben Quinn | Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Where are the brave inciters of Britain’s race riots? From Tommy to Elon, they’re far, far away: Thugs may be rampaging in the streets, but their leaders-from-behind are more likely to be found sipping cocktails by the pool »
Monday, July 29, 2024
Tommy Robinson Flees UK on Eurostar amid Contempt of Court Proceedings
THE GUARDIAN: Far-right activist was detained under counter-terrorism powers on Sunday and was due to appear at high court
Tommy Robinson fled Britain on Sunday night to “put himself beyond the reach of authorities” in the UK, where he was due to be in court over alleged contempt proceedings, the hearing was told.
The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested on Sunday at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone by police who used counter-terrorism powers, but he was released on unconditional bail.
Mr Justice Johnson issued a warrant at the high court for the arrest of Robinson but ordered that it not be carried out until early October to allow the activist time to indicate that he would attend the next hearing voluntarily, or to apply to “set aside” the warrant.
Robinson was due to appear at the court on Monday accused of contempt of court for making a documentary, Silenced, which repeats false claims he made about a Syrian refugee that led to him losing a libel case in 2021. » | Ben Quinn | Monday, July 29, 2024
Related material here.
Tommy Robinson fled Britain on Sunday night to “put himself beyond the reach of authorities” in the UK, where he was due to be in court over alleged contempt proceedings, the hearing was told.
The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was arrested on Sunday at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone by police who used counter-terrorism powers, but he was released on unconditional bail.
Mr Justice Johnson issued a warrant at the high court for the arrest of Robinson but ordered that it not be carried out until early October to allow the activist time to indicate that he would attend the next hearing voluntarily, or to apply to “set aside” the warrant.
Robinson was due to appear at the court on Monday accused of contempt of court for making a documentary, Silenced, which repeats false claims he made about a Syrian refugee that led to him losing a libel case in 2021. » | Ben Quinn | Monday, July 29, 2024
Related material here.
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Tommy Robinson: Salvini Shows Far-right Agenda Attainable
Tommy Robinson has said Matteo Salvini, the anti-Islam Italian minister accused of targeting refugees, had shown what was attainable from pursuing far-right policies.
Speaking in a pub car park on the latest stage of his European election campaign, Robinson told supporters in the former mill town of Heywood in Lancashire that Italy’s interior minister had shown it was possible to make the transition from being classed as an “extremist” into “one of the most powerful men in Europe”.
About 300 supporters, many holding aloft pints, comprised one of the biggest crowds of Robinson’s campaign to become an MEP. » | Mark Townsend | Saturday, May 18, 2019
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Meet the Tommy Robinson Supporters – BBC Newsnight
Here Gabriel Gatehouse meets the people who are fighting to free Tommy Robinson. You also hear from the leader of UKIP Gerard Batten who has taken up Robinson's cause.
Warning: This piece contains strong language and language that some may find very offensive.
Thursday, June 07, 2018
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Douglas Murray on Tommy Robinson (and the Establishment)
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