New Delhi: London witnessed a large present of power on its streets as an anti-immigration march drew near 110,000 individuals. On the centre of the protest stood Tommy Robinson, the person who has lengthy divided Britain.
Robinson, whose actual title is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has constructed a fame as one of many nation’s most controversial activists. His title is tied to provocative statements on immigration, Islam and the media, in addition to a protracted path of authorized battles.
Crowds waving Union flags and the red-and-white St George’s Cross crammed central London within the demonstration branded because the “Unite the Kingdom” march.
Placards and chants carried a robust anti-government message. For a lot of, the occasion mirrored not solely anger over immigration but additionally a rising attraction of Robinson’s rhetoric.
The Man Behind The Title
Robinson is 41 years previous. His life has been spent between courtrooms, prisons and public rallies. He has typically expressed his hostility towards Britain’s immigration insurance policies, towards Islam and towards the press.
He has even admitted that cash raised by donations was squandered on alcohol and events.
In keeping with the Related Press, Robinson based the English Defence League in 2009. The EDL emerged as a avenue motion and rapidly grew to become linked to violent clashes and soccer hooliganism.
In 2013, he stepped down as chief, citing issues over rising extremism, however continued as an activist and a web-based propagandist.
A Lengthy Prison Document
Robinson’s felony document is in depth. Circumstances towards him vary from assault and fraud to contempt of court docket. He as soon as confronted jail time for live-streaming exterior a trial.
In 2024, he acquired an 18-month sentence for disobeying a Excessive Courtroom order.
Monetary issues have adopted him for years. In 2021, he declared chapter. He admitted that thousands and thousands of kilos in donations had been misplaced to playing. Regardless of such controversies, he has retained appreciable affect.
Banned from X (previously Twitter) in 2018, he returned to the platform after Elon Musk took over. His account right now has multiple million followers.
Divisive Image?
For critics, he’s a person who thrives on division. For supporters, he stands as a defender of free speech and patriotism.
The London march below his management has once more introduced his title into the highlight, exhibiting the size of assist he continues to command, whilst his document stays shadowed by jail sentences, monetary scandals and fixed controversy.