Robinson and his supporters have a long history of racism and Islamophobia, and have links to fascist, racist and far right organisations internationally.
Before leading the EDL, Robinson was a member of the fascist British National Party (BNP).
Now groups like the Football Lads Alliance (FLA) and the ‘Democratic’ FLA (DFLA), are promoting a protest in support of Robinson that will see racists and fascists rally to “Free Tommy”.
A post by a leading DFLA member (below) sums up the mood of far right activists. The reference to London Mayor Sadiq Khan as the “Hangman of democracy” shows how Islamophobia and increasingly virulent attacks on the labour movement are coming to the centre of the DFLA’s politics.
It’s clear that the racist right want to use the fact that Robinson has been jailed as an excuse to spread their ideas and build their movement.
On Friday some 400 Robinson supporters joined an intimidating march from Leeds Crown Court chanting “Get the Muslims out” and “Free Tommy Robinson”.
On Saturday in Manchester between 1500-2000 DFLA members marched chanting Robinson’s name.
Unite Against Fascism and Stand Up to Racism have called a counter protest on Saturday 9 June against the far right. The facebook event page is here
Robinson organised an anti-muslim demonstration in Manchester, last June, in an attempt to exploit the horrific terror attacks at the Arena and to scapegoat Muslims.
At the centre of that demonstration were fascists who have been members of groups such as the National Front and BNP. Anti racists and some Sikhs giving food to the homeless were threatened by Robinson’s followers.
