Far-right activist Tommy Robinson was detained under the Terrorism Act following a controversial London protest, igniting widespread debate and public demonstrations. Here’s the full story.
Tommy Robinson Detained
Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist and agitator, was detained under the Terrorism Act by Kent Police at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone. The arrest of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, came a day after Robinson led a controversial demonstration in central London, which attracted thousands of supporters.
Official Confirmation of Detention
A post on Robinson’s X, formerly Twitter, stated, “We can confirm that Tommy Robinson has been detained by police using powers afforded to them under the Terrorism Act 2000.”
Schedule 7 Powers Used
The police stated that the 41-year-old was detained under schedule 7 of the Act, which grants authorities the power to stop, examine, and search passengers at ports, airports, and international rail terminals. Following his initial detention, Robinson was arrested for “frustration of a schedule 7 examination” and later released on bail as investigations continue.
Large Protest and Counterprotest
The arrest followed a large protest in London, organised by Robinson, which saw thousands of participants and drew similar numbers to counterprotest Robinson’s far-right stance. The Metropolitan Police deployed approximately 1,000 officers to maintain peace and ensure the separation of the two groups.
Violence and Arrests at Event
Despite these measures, the event resulted in at least eight arrests and several assaults on emergency workers. The Metropolitan Police said they would endeavour to ensure the demonstration remained lawful, stating, “We will deploy officers as required to prevent serious disruption or disorder and to deal with any incidents.”
Protest and Chants
Robinson’s protest crowd gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice before marching to Trafalgar Square for a rally. Participants chanted, “We want our country back”, while the Met investigated videos of “racist and anti-Muslim” chants.
Controversial Rally Speakers
Rally speakers denounced immigration, multiculturalism, and COVID-19 vaccines, with the crowd holding placards reading: “Not far right, just right.”
Counterprotest Against Robinson
The counterprotest, organised by Stand Up to Racism and Jeremy Corbyn’s Peace and Justice project, began at Russell Square and marched to Whitehall. Marchers carried banners reading “We are all migrants” and chanted, “Tommy Robinson we know you, you’re a Nazi through and through.”
Screening of ‘Silenced’ Film
The main reason Robinson’s London protest was so controversial was his alleged screening of a self-made documentary, Silenced. On Saturday, Robinson posted a one-hour and forty-five-minute version of the documentary on X, stating he had been hesitant to publish it earlier because he was “scared.”
Film’s Legal Issues
The film reportedly repeats false claims about a Syrian refugee, claims that previously led to Robinson losing a libel case in 2021. Robinson is set to appear soon at a high court hearing, accused of contempt of court for making the documentary.
Hope Not Hate’s Warning
At the time of the protest, the anti-extremism campaign group Hope Not Hate wrote on X, “Tommy Robinson is currently screening the film Silenced in Trafalgar Square, just 48 hours before he appears in the High Court accused of breaking an injunction preventing him from releasing the film. He’s heading to jail.”
Potential Legal Consequences
They added, “The Attorney General’s office have been made aware of Tommy Robinson screening a film he was banned from showing. Such a flagrant disregard for the law could well see him facing the maximum two-year sentence. Only himself to blame.”
Police Inquiry Into Film
The Metropolitan Police acknowledged receiving a complaint about the film shown during the protest and indicated they were making further inquiries to determine the necessary course of action.
Lack of Film Awareness
The Met stated, “We did not know what films would be shown during the event. Organisers of protests are not required to share those details in advance. There is no power for us to compel them to do so.”
Met’s Response to Ongoing Situation
They added, “Officers on duty for the event couldn’t reasonably have been aware of civil proceedings ongoing in relation to a particular film, but having now been made aware we’re making further inquiries to determine what action we need to take.”
Supporters Protest Outside Downing Street
Following Robinson’s arrest, his supporters gathered outside Downing Street Sunday afternoon for an impromptu protest. Similarly, Rupert Lowe, an MP from the Reform UK party who has frequently spoken out against immigration, questioned the reasoning behind Robinson’s arrest, tweeting, “Is this action proportionate and in line with how the streets of London have recently been policed? More details are urgently required.”
Robinson’s Previous Arrests
This is not the first time Robinson has faced arrest. Robinson was recently arrested in Canada for, ironically, an alleged immigration offence after being booked for a speaking tour by the far-right media organisation Rebel News.
Ongoing Controversy and Strategy
As the situation unfolds, with further updates anticipated regarding the implications of Robinson’s recent actions, many have viewed Robinson’s actions as being taken from the far-right playbook he so frequently utilises: stage a protest, create controversy, get arrested, and then drum up support over the alleged silencing of his views.
Future Implications
Whether this tactic will help or hinder Robinson in his long, ongoing battle to be taken seriously and with the forces of law and order remains to be seen.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Lois GoBe.
Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.