The Ugly Face of Fascism: Condemning Tommy Robinson’s Violent Spectacle
On Saturday, the streets of London could have been filled with the spirit of peaceful, democratic protest that is the pride of Britain. Instead, they were marred by the ugly spectacle of far-right aggression, orchestrated by the convicted fraudster and inflammatory activist Tommy Robinson. Under the deceptive banner of “Unite the Kingdom,” Robinson summoned a mob whose actions—resulting in at least 26 injured police officers, violent clashes, and hateful rhetoric—laid bare the true, fascistic nature of his movement.
This was not a rally for “free speech,” as Robinson disingenuously claimed. This was a display of raw intimidation and violence. When the Metropolitan Police, tasked with maintaining order and protecting all citizens, attempted to prevent his followers from encircling a peaceful anti-racism counter-protest, they were met with what Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist described as “significant aggression.” Officers were kicked, punched, and assaulted with bottles and flares. The injuries suffered—broken teeth, a concussion, a possible broken nose—are not the badges of patriots but the scars inflicted by a violent mob.
This violence is not an aberration from Tommy Robinson’s ideology; it is its logical conclusion. His entire political project is built on a foundation of division, dehumanisation, and the deliberate stoking of societal hatred. His speech, hoarse with fury, was a classic demagogue’s performance, painting a picture of a nation under threat where the rights of “undocumented migrants supersede those of the local community.” This is a dangerous and calculated lie, designed to transform complex legal and humanitarian issues into a simplistic war between “us” and “them.”
This rhetoric is the bedrock of fascism. It seeks to strip individuals of their humanity, reducing them to a monolithic, threatening “other”—in this case, “Somalians, Afghanis, Pakistanis.” By claiming that British courts and the government privilege these groups over the “British public, the people that built this nation,” Robinson employs the classic fascist tactic of claiming to speak for a “silent majority” betrayed by a corrupt elite. He positions himself as the sole defender of the people, justifying any action taken in their name, no matter how violent or unlawful.
Fascist calls for assassination of the PM
The surprise endorsement from billionaire Elon Musk, who called for the dissolution of parliament, only served to amplify this anti-democratic sentiment. It provided a veneer of tech-bro legitimacy to a movement that thrives on undermining the very institutions that safeguard our democracy. When Robinson declares, “The revolution has started—and you can’t stop it,” he is not calling for democratic engagement. He is issuing a threat.
True patriotism is not waving a flag while breaking the teeth of a police officer who serves the public. It is not loving your country while hating your neighbour. True patriotism is a commitment to the values of democracy, tolerance, and the rule of law. It is the courage to engage in difficult debates without resorting to scapegoating or violence.
The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, was correct to condemn the criminal activity and vow that its perpetrators will “face the full force of the law.” But our condemnation must go further. We must condemn the fascist ideology that Tommy Robinson represents—an ideology of hatred, violence, and division that has no place in our United Kingdom.
The 5,000 individuals who stood up to racism that day, and the millions more who reject this poison, represent the true, resilient spirit of Britain. It is a spirit that believes in unity, not through force and intimidation, but through respect, justice, and common decency. We must stand firm against the fascism of Tommy Robinson, not just to protect those he targets, but to protect the very soul of our nation.
