Tommy Robinson protest: Activist 'would rather not have smoke or flares coming out of crowds' - urging protesters to 'not drink too much and behave'
Tommy Robinson has urged protesters who will be attending his upcoming rally to “behave” and “not drink too much”.
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has announced a national demonstration in London for September 13, which he is promoting as a “free speech rally.” The 42-year-old has made grand claims that it could become "the biggest thing this country's seen," suggesting it may draw hundreds of thousands of "patriots”, however, an anti-fascist group has vowed to “stop the far right” organising a counter-march in the capital on the same day.
Tommy Robinson is branding it as a day “we unite the kingdom”. He has recently called for peace at the protest as thousands are predicted to show up. In a recent video on X the activist urged protesters not to bring flares or have smoke coming out of the crowds. He also urged protesters to behave and not drink too much.
He said in a recent video on X: “Quick message, I see people with flares at all the demonstrations. It looks great, but we would rather not have them at the event on September 13th. Just for the image and just for the children. If there’s lots of kids there and elderly people I just don’t think it works.
“So lads please, I don’t want to sound like a bore, but we’d rather not have smoke and flares coming out of the crowd. And don’t drink too much and behave. And I keep saying this because it is very important. I currently believe that the government are trying to provoke the British public into violent reactions.
“We as a people, from Epping to Canary Wharf, to all over the country to Norwich, you are winning the hearts and minds of the British public who are sick to death of the betrayal of our country and people. There’s going to be families, it’s going to be a beautiful celebration. Don’t let them dictate to us what our day is about”.
One user replied:”I pray people will heed these words - if not, you are not a true patriot. I am coming on the 13th for my first march, and I want the world to see us as respectful and peaceful”.
The march is set to take place in Central London, starting at Stamford Street at 11:30 a.m., ending at Whitehall. In terms of celebrities attending, so far the former Fat Families TV host, Steve Miller, has publicly stated that he intends to attend the rally. In a post on X, he expressed concern about the UK's current state and said, “I’m going.”
Tommy Robinson’s protest comes amid Operation Raise The Colours - a movement that is seeing St George’s flags and bunting hung up across the UK, and roundabouts painted. The movement is thought to have been started - and continues to be encouraged - by the Birmingham-based groups the Weoley Warriors and Weoley Castle Warriors.
Robinson’s real name is Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon but took on the pseudonym to hide his identity and criminal history which he was successful in doing until the connection was uncovered in July 2010 by Searchlight magazine. The name ‘Tommy Robinson’ is understood to have come from a prominent member of the Luton Town MIGs, a football hooligan crew which follows Luton Town.
Robinson has been in and out of prison throughout his life for crimes including illegally entered the United States using a friend's passport, violating a court order, harassment, libel and contempt of court.
Upon Robinson’s release from prison in May this year, he said he would organise a free speech festival in London for supporters. He had been serving a jail term for contempt of court.
He left HMP Woodhill after his 18-month sentence was reduced by four months at the High Court. Robinson was jailed in October after admitting multiple breaches of an injunction made in 2021, which barred him from repeating false allegations against a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him for libel.
He is currently facing two further, separate court cases, and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 5 accused of harassing two journalists. Robinson was charged with two counts of harassment causing fear of violence between August 5 and 7 2024.
In addition, he is facing a separate trial in October next year over an accusation that he failed to provide the Pin for his mobile phone when stopped by Kent Police in Folkestone in July 2024.