Far-right activists barred from UK ahead of Tommy Robinson rally | Tommy Robinson
Eleven foreign far-right activists have been blocked from entering the UK ahead of a rally by Tommy Robinson supporters after Keir Starmer accused him of “trading in hatred and division”.
The archbishop of Canterbury urged people to “choose hope” and faith leaders spoke ahead of Saturday’s rally, the second of its kind after more than 100,000 people attended last year.
It’s the first time live facial recognition will be used as part of a protest policing operation, while Public Order Act requirements apply to a major pro-Palestinian march and distinctive UK event promoted by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Meeting senior police figures and officers involved in Saturday’s operation, Starmer said: “We are in a fight for the soul of this country and this weekend’s Unite the Kingdom march is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against. Its organizers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple.”
“We will block anyone who wants to incite hatred and violence from entering the UK. Anyone who wants to cause havoc on our streets, intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law.”
However, Downing Street said in a statement that Starmer “made clear that he recognizes that the majority expected to attend are law-abiding citizens who wish to protest peacefully, and calls on everyone attending the protest to act with civility and respect.”
The Prime Minister later appeared in a video: published on social mediaIn his speech, he described the rally organizers as “convicted thugs and racists” and said that it was “a reminder of what we face in the fight for our values”.
A number of groups and figures from the British far-right and Christian nationalism are expected to attend the event, which will call a general election, marking a turning point in Robinson’s drive to encourage his supporters to take part in political campaigns and voting.
Among the speakers is Siobhan Whyte, the mother of Rhiannon Whyte, who was stabbed to death by an asylum seeker staying at the hotel where she worked.
Those banned from entering the UK include US-based anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez, Dutch influencer Eva Vlaardingerbroek and Polish politician and MP Dominik Tarczyński.
Coinciding with major pro-Palestinian events to mark Nakba Day, the 78th anniversary of the mass displacement of Palestinians during the founding of Israel in 1948, participants in the march will march from the Strand towards Trafalgar Square before finishing in Parliament Square. Tens of thousands of football fans will be in London for the FA Cup final, as anti-racism counter-demonstrations also take place.
Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally spoke as communities across the UK took part in the One Million Hopes Movement Week, a celebration of unity and diversity designed as a counter-event to Robinson’s rally.
This year’s Millions of Hope Action has encouraged interfaith work and Mullally, who became the first woman to lead the Anglican church in March, is supported by the Muslim Council of Britain, the Muslim Network UK and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, senior rabbi of Masorti Judaism UK.
“When we watch the news or scroll through our phones, it can feel like our country is more divided than ever,” Mullally said. “But that’s not the whole story. When I visit churches and communities, I see people serving each other and looking out for those in need. That gives me hope.”
“These acts of hope happen all the time, but they often go unseen. There is more to what connects us than what divides us. And when we choose hope, we help build the kind of country we all long to live in.”
Wittenberg, a leading voice in interfaith dialogue, also said he took hope from the solidarity he received from Muslims and Christians following the attacks on Jewish people and sites in London last month.
He added: “Every day in our prayers we remember that ‘good deeds are immeasurable.’ I witness these all the time in my own community, such as delivering meals to grieving families. I experience them across communities, as does the solidarity of many of my Muslim and Christian colleagues during this wave of anti-Semitism.”
“Despite the ugly slogans, I see them in their continued support of refugees. I am aware of them throughout society, like the woman who traveled 50 miles to fill her beloved hillside bird feeders. These acts of kindness express the true heart of our country.”
Downing Street said Starmer had acted to “protect British communities from vile hatred” amid bans on foreign activists. Visiting the Metropolitan Police’s command and control special operations room, the prime minister said: “We are in a fight for the soul of this country and this weekend’s Unite the Kingdom march is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against. Its organizers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple.”
“We will block those who seek to incite hatred and violence from entering the UK. Anyone who wishes to cause damage on our streets, intimidate or threaten anyone can expect to face the full force of the law. My Government will always advocate peaceful protest but act decisively against hate. We all have a responsibility to speak out against those who express these disgusting, divisive views wherever we see them. We are a country built on kindness, justice and respect, doing our best when people from different backgrounds come together. A common cause.” We must come together and fight for this.”
Tomorrow is expected to be one of the busiest days of the year for policing in London. While many people are expected to attend the pro-Palestinian protest, anti-fascist protesters organized by Stand Against Racism are also expected to attend.
