The recent arrest of far-right activist Tommy Robinson has ignited demonstrations in London, with rallies in support of Robinson escalating into confrontations between pro- and anti-Robinson groups.
The Metropolitan Police detained five individuals amid charges ranging from assault to racially aggravated offences.
Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a controversial figure in the UK’s far-right circles. He is known for his anti-Islam and anti-immigration stance, which he promoted as the founder of the nationalist English Defence League (EDL).
His recent arrest for contempt of court, ahead of a hearing on October 28, has heightened tensions among his supporters, leading them to organise the “Unite the Kingdom” march demanding his release.
Over the weekend, thousands of Robinson supporters gathered in central London, displaying British flags and banners. Some participants echoed former US President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, associating Robinson’s case with a broader anti-immigration sentiment.
This protest attracted counter-demonstrators, notably from Stand Up to Racism, whose members carried signs welcoming refugees and opposing far-right ideology.
The demonstrations also included families who had lost loved ones in police custody.
Some of these participants joined anti-racism activists, holding signs denouncing hatred and fascism, creating a multifaceted protest landscape that underscored the growing divisions around immigration and race issues in the UK.
Following these clashes, authorities made several arrests, including one individual reportedly making racist comments to a police officer.
The arrests came amid heightened scrutiny on Robinson, who faces allegations of violating a High Court order by repeating defamatory claims against a Syrian refugee who previously won a libel case against him.
