Protests Erupt in Central London in Support of Far-Right Figurehead Tommy Robinson
Today, protesters are gathering in central London in support of far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson, with counter-demonstrators also assembling. The Metropolitan Police have deployed extra officers to keep the opposing groups apart.
Supporters of Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, have gathered outside Waterloo station, many wearing “MEGA – Make England Great Again” hats and “I am Tommy” stickers. The crowd, assembled near the Wellington Pub, is carrying England and UK flags while chanting “Oh Tommy, Tommy” and “we want Tommy out.”
The “Stop the Isolation” march is set to move from Waterloo to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge, while a counter-protest by Stand Up To Racism will approach from Piccadilly Circus. The Metropolitan Police have restricted pedestrian access in Whitehall and deployed officers to separate the groups.
Robinson was jailed for 18 months in October after admitting to breaching a High Court injunction that barred him from repeating libellous claims about a Syrian refugee.
Anyone not involved in the protests is advised to avoid the area between Trafalgar Square and Parliament Square.
Stand Up to Racism in ‘Good Spirits’
The central London march against racism is reported to be in “good spirits.” Claims of abusive behavior by pro-Robinson marchers have been made, although they cannot be verified by the Standard. The “Stop the Isolation” march in support of Robinson has reached its final point, with speakers addressing the crowd.
Police Alert as Protests March Through London
The Metropolitan Police have not flagged any incidents on either march. The Stand Up To Racism protest has set off from St James’s Street, heading to Whitehall via Haymarket. The Stop the Isolation protest has set off from Waterloo, heading to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge.
Tommy Robinson Supporters Cross Westminster Bridge
Thousands of Tommy Robinson supporters have started to cross London’s Westminster Bridge during a “Uniting the Kingdom” demonstration. They are chanting “We want Tommy out” and “We want our country back.” Many of those present are livestreaming the demonstration on their phones.
Far-Right Ralliers Wear MEGA Hats
At the Stop The Isolation rally in central London, protesters are seen carrying a “Stop the Boats” flag and a flag reading “Britain lost a patriot – RIP Peter Lynch.” Some protesters are wearing “MEGA – Make England Great Again” hats, while others have “I am Tommy” stickers.
‘No Incidents So Far’
According to the Metropolitan Police, there have been no incidents reported on either march.
‘Standing Against Racism’
Speaker David Rosenberg has addressed the crowd at the Stand Up to Racism march, emphasizing the need to call out Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson. He stated, “We have to both stand against the racism of the far right but also expose the likes of Farage and Robinson to their own supporters for the grifters they are.”
Chanting in Support of Robinson
Chants of “Oh Tommy, Tommy” and “we want Tommy out” can be heard at the demonstration near Waterloo station in central London. One protester is carrying a flag with “Free Tommy Robinson” written on it, while others are wearing face masks of the political activist.
Protestors Chant for Release of Tommy Robinson
Supporters of Robinson are chanting for his release, saying, “We want Tommy out!” Since October, he has been serving an 18-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
Stand Up to Racism March Now in Full Swing
The Stand Up to Racism march against the Tommy Robinson rally has now started in earnest. The movement’s joint secretary is seen addressing crowds.
Protestors Hold Flags and Banners Thanking Elon Musk
Hundreds of people have gathered outside Waterloo station in central London for a demonstration in support of Tommy Robinson. Many protesters are carrying England and UK flags, with one person holding up a T-shirt with “Thank you Elon Musk” written on it.
The Area Where the Counter-Protest Must Stay
The Metropolitan Police has defined the area where the counter-protest must stay. The protest organized by Stand Up To Racism is gathering in St James’s Street, south of Piccadilly Circus. The march is following a defined route.
March Set to Begin
Supporters of Tommy Robinson are gathered in central London, ready for the rally that begins at midday.
Hundreds Gathering for March
Hundreds have now gathered for the start of the march. Video shows flags being waved in support outside Waterloo. The march is set to begin at midday.
March to be Shown on Twitter
The far-right march in support of Tommy Robinson will be broadcast by his support network on Twitter. A tweet called the platform “the brand new home of freedom of speech,” and mentioned, “We have much to thank Elon for.”
‘No Trouble Today’
A video shared on Tommy Robinson’s Twitter account shows enforcement bodies preparing for the march. Officers are setting up along the route before the march, which begins at midday.
‘Bringing Anti-Racist Spirit to London’s Streets’
Stand Up to Racism’s march aims to bring an anti-racist spirit onto the streets of London and reject the politics of hate of figures like Farage and Robinson.
Stand Up To Racism Holding Counter March
Stand Up To Racism is holding a counter march meeting off Piccadilly at 11.30 am. The group emphasized the importance of mobilizing against Tommy Robinson supporters at this crucial moment. They will gather on St James’s Street and have pointed to recent Islamophobic attacks in London and elsewhere.
Route of the March
Supporters of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon are set to gather at midday outside Waterloo station. The admin post on Robinson’s account alleges that visitors are being denied entry to see him at his current location, calling on people to stand against his political persecution and isolation.
Police ‘Well Prepared’ for Protests
Commander Louise Puddefoot of the Metropolitan Police has stated that they are well prepared for the protests, with officers deployed in significant numbers to provide reassurance to the community and intervene swiftly if needed. The police are ready for the marches that are set to take place.
Robinson Has Backing of Elon Musk
Elon Musk has supported Tommy Robinson on his social media platform, X. The billionaire has shown his support for Robinson and has criticized Labour figures, including Sir Keir Starmer, in recent posts.
Met Police Vows Robust Action
The Metropolitan Police have vowed to respond swiftly and decisively as protests by supporters of Tommy Robinson are set to take place in central London today. The police are well-prepared to keep the opposing groups separated and ensure public safety.
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