UK blocks 11 far-right activists ahead of Tommy Robinson rally

Eleven foreign far-right activists have been blocked from entering the UK ahead of a rally organized by Tommy Robinson, as Labour leader Keir Starmer accuses Robinson of peddling hatred and division. The rally, set to take place in London this weekend, is expected to draw a spectrum of far-right groups and Christian nationalist figures, and security forces are bracing for another large turnout after more than 100,000 attended a similar event last year.

Live facial recognition will be used for the first time as part of a major protest policing operation, and public order conditions are being imposed on a large pro-Palestinian march as well as the Unite the Kingdom event led by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Starmer, who met with senior police figures and officers involved in the weekend operations, said, “We are in a fight for the soul of this country, and the Unite the Kingdom march this weekend is a stark reminder of exactly what we are up against. Its organisers are peddling hatred and division, plain and simple. For anyone who sets out to wreak havoc on our streets, to intimidate or threaten anyone, you can expect to face the full force of the law.”

Downing Street stressed that the majority expected to attend are law-abiding and urged everyone to protest peacefully, act with decency, and show respect. In a video posted on social media, the prime minister described the rally’s organisers as “convicted thugs and racists” and framed the event as a test of the country’s values. A wide range of groups from the British far right and Christian nationalist circles are anticipated to attend, with the organisers calling for a general election. The operation aims to balance the right to protest with keeping streets safe and preventing violence.

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