Only 1,000 people turn out to Tommy Robinson’s ‘Christmas service’
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson’s latest event drew far fewer visitors on Saturday as he spearheaded an effort to “put Jesus back into Christmas” in London.
Reported estimates suggest only around 1,000 people gathered in Whitehall for the carol concert on Saturday.
This marks a sharp drop in attendance compared to an estimated 110,000 to 150,000 people. People attending the protest organized by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, in London in September.
Ahead of the event, bishops in the Diocese of Southwark said they were “gravely concerned” that Christian symbols were being used to “justify racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric”.
writing for IndependentThe Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend David Walker, also hit out at false claims that “Christmas has been cancelled” and criticized those who tried to politicize Christianity.
A crowd gathered outside Downing Street on Saturday afternoon to listen to speakers on stage read and sing hymns.
While carols were distributed to attendees, a vendor sold St. George flags and Santa hats, chanting “Jesus is King” and paying tribute to Charlie Kirk.
Closing the event, Yaxley-Lennon said he used to “hate church” but met a priest in prison who taught him the Bible.
A priest sitting in the crowd shouted that Jesus was an immigrant.
“I’ve worked with a lot of ex-offenders, like Tommy Robinson,” he said, offering to talk to attendees about Christianity.
His Unite The Kingdom rally broke away from a counter protest organized by Stand Up to Racism in central London at the same time.
Saturday’s demonstration appeared to continue peacefully, although previous clashes between similar groups in Whitehall earlier this year ended in police violence.
In September Robinson organized a Unite The Kingdom rally in central London, which was attended by 110,000 to 150,000 people.
More than 150 anti-Muslim hate reports were made to the Tell Mama charity, which is monitoring the issue, in the seven days following the rally.
Police said officers were attacked when they encountered “significant aggression” from protesters.
Robinson protesters hurled projectiles at counterdemonstrators as thousands of people from both sides looked on at Whitehall.
Posting on X ahead of Saturday’s event, Robinson said: “I want to remind everyone that this is a religious celebration, this is not a political event.
“No face coverings and no drinking please, let’s self-regulate, as we always do, be respectful and make sure we honor our faith, culture and heritage to the best of our ability.”
A total of two arrests were made. A man has been arrested after attacking a mounted police officer near Whitehall Place earlier in the day. The second arrest was against a man suspected of making homophobic abuse towards a police officer at a previous protest.
