The far-right leader known as Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has found himself in legal trouble once again. He has been charged under the Terrorism Act and is currently in custody. This comes just before a planned march by his supporters in London, sparking fears of potential violence.
Robinson was taken into custody after he failed to provide the pin to his mobile phone when stopped under the Terrorism Act at the Channel tunnel. He is also facing separate charges of contempt of court for making false allegations against a Syrian refugee. His supporters, now in control of his social media account, have informed his followers about his situation.
The Metropolitan police are anticipating a busy day as Robinson’s supporters plan to march in London. This has raised concerns about clashes with counter-protesters and potential violence, especially considering past incidents of unrest involving Robinson’s supporters.
Hope Not Hate, an anti-fascist campaign group, is warning that the planned demonstration could escalate into demands for Robinson’s release and fears a repeat of violent clashes seen in the past. The group expects the demonstration to draw a larger crowd than previous protests, with a more intense and potentially dangerous atmosphere.
The police are taking measures to ensure public safety and prevent disorder during the demonstrations. A significant policing presence will be in place to keep the rival groups apart and respond to any incidents swiftly. Conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act to manage the timings and locations of the demonstrations to minimize the risk of disruption and conflict.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams emphasized the importance of maintaining public safety and upholding the right to peaceful protest. The police are prepared to handle any potential conflicts and offenses decisively to prevent disorder and protect the public and businesses in the area.
Overall, the situation surrounding Tommy Robinson’s legal issues and the planned far-right march in London is tense and raises concerns about public safety and potential unrest. The police, along with organizations like Hope Not Hate, are closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure that the demonstrations remain peaceful and orderly.
