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Despite harsher restrictions on protests in the UK, thousands took to the streets this Saturday to counter Tommy Robinson’s summoning of his supporters.
Robinson, who has previously been sentenced to jail time for contempt of court and more recently enjoyed the public endorsement of Elon Musk. A public endorsement, it is worth noting, that cost Nigel Farage his friendship with Musk. Robinson, who has gained notoriety for his racist rhetoric and spreading misinformation to inflame violence against minority groups, called for his supporters to gather in London on Saturday. Gather they did, calling themselves the “Stop the Isolation” march and wearing “Make England Great Again” hats. It seems Musk’s endorsement has only made the link between Trump’s government and far right organisations here stronger.
Robinson’s protest has led to six arrests, and inspired a counter demo called for by Stand Up to Racism. This kind of counter-protesting action is doing what it can to dispel the confidence of Robinson’s supporters and is, undoubtedly, a step in the right direction in sending a message. There are also claims of division in the ranks of the right, with the spat between Farage and Musk rumoured to be dividing loyalties. However, Musk’s clear interest in the far right politics of our country, along with his deep pockets to support the most promising candidate, has not left the minds of those attending the counter- demonstration, nor likely Robinson’s.
The correlation between Robinson’s demonstration and Trump’s inauguration in the US is clear. The violence that the new Trump administration will inspire is likely to be replicated by groups like Robinson’s followers in other countries. For many, letting them know that they will not stand for it is the only option to stay safe. Even as recently as January 30th, after the tragic plane crash in Washington that claimed the lives of 67, Trump deflected by blaming diversity initiatives and disabled people in the workforce. This weaponization of a nation’s grief is horrific, but this is how figures like Robinson gain such support. It is something that we must continue to oppose.
Edited by: Evangeline Shankland
Image: Say No to Tommy Robinson, Garry Knight, 2018 // CCO 1.0
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