Tommy Robinson, or Stephen Yaxley Lennon, needs little introduction for those concerned with the rise of the right in post-Brexit, populist Britain.
In 2023, Robinson released a film, ‘Silenced,’ which he claimed was in response to the legal system’s prejudice against him. Reflecting the demonising anti-immigrant narrative often promoted by his supporters. The film was predictably divisive, particularly as the focus of its attention was a 15 year-old Syrian refugee who happened to elicit sympathy from a UK public that witnessed their assault through social media.
A year later, Robinson was sentenced to 18 months in prison for contempt of court after violating an injunction and repeatedly making false claims about the 15 year-old in the lead up to the assault.
To anyone paying attention, this is all too depressingly familiar.
The imperfection of law is a certainty. A case such as this underscores the need in an already divided society, with opportunist politicians and ‘alternative’ news sources abundant, for lawful intervention by governments to prevent the spread of hate speech. The rhetoric from far-right figures actively seeks to destabilise the judiciary, portraying it as an oppressive government force.
It’s crucial for figures across the political spectrum and media to recognise the necessity of collective effort in legitimising legal actions and dispelling populist myths. Bleakly, certain media outlets and politicians continue to peddle stories that add fuel to the fire, most recently in regard to the Southport attacker.
The far-right often gains momentum from flashpoint events. Although this is not Robinson’s first criminal conviction, it may be his successfully utilised. To remain relevant, he must paint himself as a victim of the establishment, if only to keep financial donations from his followers flowing.
Despite his potential martyrdom, people across the political spectrum must continue to uphold lawful methods to prevent extremists from gaining political momentum, in order to retain the very institutions and laws that keep us all safe. In the US, the constant attacks by MAGA on the judicial system have contributed to global spread of distrust in the state apparatus. It is no coincidence figures like Nigel Farage and Liz Truss pander to Trumpism.
Clearly, the law alone cannot solve this complex problem, we must address the systemic issues that provide opportunities to far-right figures. This far-right has little in common with the far-right of the early 20th century, it’s chaotic. Vitally, we must learn from the past not to repeat the mistakes of our predecessors – that pandering to the far-right is opening the door for their political agenda.
“Tommy Robinson at Speakers’ Corner, Hyde Park” by Shayan Barjesteh van Waalwijk van Doorn is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.