Press release: Tommy Robinson’s release will embolden racists
Anti-racists warned today that Tommy Robinson’s release on bail pending a retrial, will embolden racists up and down the country.
Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon) was originally given a sentence of 13 months after he pleaded guilty to contempt of court in Leeds.
Anti-racists argue the judgement is extraordinary given the level of political pressure and the fact that Robinson pleaded guilty.
Sam Brownback, the U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom complained to Kim Darroch, the British ambassador in Washington D.C. about Robinson’s imprisonment, following lobbying by Breitbart and others.
The “free Tommy” campaign has received support internationally from far right figures including Donald Trump’s ex-chief of staff Steve Bannon, the Islamophobic Dutch politician Geert Welders, and UKIP’s leader Gerard Batten.
American think tank The Middle East Forum spent a five-figure sum on Tommy Robinson’s legal defence and reports suggest similar organisations bankrolling a high-profile campaign to release him. The Middle East Forum has also paid for foreign far right speakers to attend “Free Tommy” rallies in London in addition to funding the far-right activist’s court defence.
Weyman Bennett, Joint Secretary of Unite Against Fascism said:
“There is a danger that Tommy Robinson’s release on bail will embolden far right and racists across the Britain. We have no confidence in the judgement. Robinson pleaded guilty and should pay the price. We must unite against everything Tommy Robinson and his far right and fascist supporters stand for.
“The language Robinson uses about Muslims echoes that used against Jewish people in the 1930’s. During his trial Finsbury Park terrorist Darren Osborne was said to be inspired by Tommy Robinson, before he attacked Muslims.
“After the Second World War and Holocaust the whole world said “never again.” We must live up to this sentiment and stand up to racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and fascism.
“Stand Up To Racism held a protest outside the high the court today to show that Robinson and his supporters won’t be allowed to spread their hatred without opposition. We are building a mass anti-racist movement to defend our multicultural society.”
Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor said:
“Today’s judgement is extraordinary given that Tommy Robinson actually pleaded guilty to contempt of court. It follows a “free Tommy Robinson” street movement mobilising the biggest far right demonstrations for decades, backed internationally by Donald Trump supporters. This will undoubtedly embolden racists and fascists. All good people must stand up to the scourge of racism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and fascism.”