Tommy Robinson, born Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon in 1982, has once again thrust himself into the spotlight. Over the weekend, more than 100,000 people took to the streets of London, United Kingdom, for the “Unite the Kingdom” rally against immigration, one of the largest right-wing gatherings in Britain for years. Branded as a free speech protest, the march was spearheaded by Robinson, who has long been a divisive figure in the country’s political landscape.
Robinson has roots of a far-right campaigner
Robinson co-founded the English Defence League (EDL) in 2009, a street protest movement known for hostility towards Islam and immigration. The EDL quickly drew notoriety for violent clashes and its links to football hooliganism. Although Robinson stepped down in 2013, citing concerns about growing extremism, his activism did not end. He has continued to position himself as a defender of “British values” and free speech, while critics accuse him of stoking xenophobia and division.
Turbulent criminal and financial record
Robinson’s career has been punctuated by court cases and prison sentences. He has served time for assault, mortgage fraud and contempt of court. In 2018, he was jailed for livestreaming outside a trial, and in 2024, he received an 18-month sentence for breaching a High Court order after spreading libellous claims about a Syrian refugee. Financial troubles have also shadowed him. He declared bankruptcy in 2021, admitting to gambling away donations from supporters.
“Unite the Kingdom” rally
Saturday’s march showed Robinson’s enduring influence. Police estimated up to 150,000 participants, vastly exceeding organisers’ expectations. The Metropolitan Police deployed 1,500 officers, including reinforcements from across the country. Tensions ran high, with bottles and projectiles thrown at police. Twenty-six officers were injured, four seriously, and 25 arrests were made. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist condemned the “wholly unacceptable” violence, pledging to pursue further arrests.
Despite the clashes, Robinson positioned himself as a champion of free speech, criticising politicians and claiming courts prioritised migrant rights over those of local communities. Elon Musk made a surprise appearance via videolink, speaking about “uncontrolled migration” and calling for a change of government, while TV presenter Katie Hopkins and other right-wing figures joined Robinson on stage.
Supporters and critics
For supporters, Robinson is a patriot unafraid to speak uncomfortable truths, particularly on migration and Islam. His reinstatement on X (formerly Twitter) under Elon Musk has given him a platform of over one million followers. His detractors, however, see him as a dangerous agitator. Diane Abbott, speaking at a nearby Stand Up To Racism counter-protest of 5,000 people, said: “We know racism and violence and fascism is not new. But you know what? We have always defeated that racism and violence.”
Polarising legacy
Now 42, Robinson has spent much of his adult life oscillating between the courtroom, prison and mass rallies. His career has been marked by controversy, financial scandal and repeated brushes with the law. Yet his ability to mobilise tens of thousands shows his continued resonance among segments of the British public. Whether viewed as a free speech crusader or a far-right demagogue, Robinson remains an enduring and divisive presence in Britain’s political debate.