UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said his government will stop “far-right agitators” from travelling to Britain ahead of a major rally linked to Tommy Robinson in central London this Saturday.More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration, prompting heightened security measures and a significant deployment by the Metropolitan Police, The Independent reported.Speaking on Monday, Starmer described the planned event as one “designed to confront and intimidate this diverse country”, while warning that the government would act against overseas figures attempting to attend.“That is why this Labour Government will block far-right agitators from travelling to Britain,” Starmer said.“We will not allow people to come to the UK, threaten our communities and spread hate on our streets.”Ahead of the march, Robinson posted a video on social media promoting the rally with the caption: “Unite The Kingdom rally chant. See you all on Saturday. Start packing your bags Keir.”
UK government already blocked several individuals
Under British immigration law, the Home Secretary can revoke or deny permission to enter the country if a person’s presence is considered “not conducive to the public good”.According to reports, at least seven people have already been prevented from entering the UK ahead of the march.Last month, US anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez was prohibited from entering Britain following criticism from MPs and campaign groups. Gomez had sparked controversy in the past for provocative anti-Muslim stunts, including publicly burning a copy of the Quran.She had been expected to speak at the rally after appearing at a previous protest in September.Another right-wing US commentator, Joey Mannarino, also claimed he had been denied entry into the UK on public interest grounds.
Police prepare for large-scale demonstrations
The rally is expected to coincide with a separate pro-Palestine demonstration marking Nakba Day, increasing concerns over public order in London.Mark Rowley previously said police were “concerned” about the scale of the demonstrations and were considering what restrictions and powers may be required to maintain order.The previous “Unite the Kingdom” protest reportedly attracted between 110,000 and 150,000 participants.
Tommy Robinson’s history of anti-Muslim and anti-immigration rhetoric
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has long been associated with anti-Islam and anti-immigration campaigns in Britain.Over the years, he has repeatedly claimed that large-scale immigration threatens British identity and culture.The activist has frequently made inflammatory remarks about Muslims, opposed the construction of mosques, and argued that immigration has made British communities “unsafe”.Robinson has also been linked to several far-right demonstrations and controversies over the past decade, making him one of the UK’s most polarising political activists.
