Thousands join EDL founder Tommy Robinson for ‘Brexit Betrayal’ march

Thousands are marching through the streets of London today as part of a Ukip-organised ‘Brexit betrayal’ demonstration. 

Among the campaigners is English Defence League (EDL) founder Tommy Robinson who was appointed as an advisor to the party last month.

The anti-Islam activist’s appointment led to a string of resignations within Ukip, including former party leader Nigel Farage. 

The Brexit champion led a walk-out of major figures from the party in protest at its ‘new BNP’ stance, after dramatically warning the party’s embattled leader Gerard Batten that Ukip must ditch its relationship with Robinson. 

Mr Farage took with him a slew of senior Ukip figures, including ex-boss Paul Nuttall and Scottish leader David Coburn, both fellow Members of the European Parliament with Farage. 

Today’s demonstration has been opposed by counter-protesters and anti-fascist groups who’re also marching the streets to oppose the ‘far-right extremists’.    

It comes just three days before parliament is due to make the crucial vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal with the European Union

Tommy Robinson (centre, holding a mobile phone) arrives to take part in a ‘Brexit Betrayal’ march and rally organised by Ukip in central London

An estimated 15,000 people joined a demonstration to oppose the Brexit betrayal march and Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. 

The counter protestors outnumbered the Tommy Robinson supporters, who are thought to have mobilised around 3,000 people. 

The counter demonstration was organised by Momentum and a coalition of 23 organisations including London Young Labour, Feminist anti-fascists, Labour Against Racism and Fascism and the Stop Trump Coalition.

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell urged ‘all Labour members and anyone who cares about the future of our country’ to attend the demonstration and praised Momentum for ‘leading the way’ in opposing a ‘newly energised, well funded network of hate’. 

‘This march isn’t about Brexit, it’s about far-right extremists dressing up in suits and pretending to be respectable,’ Mr McDonnell said.

‘A newly energised, well-funded network of hate is emerging, from (former Donald Trump strategist) Steve Bannon in the US to the former EDL leader Tommy Robinson at home, and it threatens the very fabric of our nation.’    

Tommy Robinson (front centre) gets caught in the large crowds gathered at the 'Brexit Betrayal' march organised by UKIP

Tommy Robinson (front centre) gets caught in the large crowds gathered at the ‘Brexit Betrayal’ march organised by UKIP

Among those marching against the activist (centre) were grass roots group Momentum and Unite Against Fascism

Among those marching against the activist (centre) were grass roots group Momentum and Unite Against Fascism

Among those marching against the activist were grass roots group Momentum and Unite Against Fascism.

Police have heightened concerns after ‘serious violence’ broke out at a Robinson rally in London in June, with five officers injured when bottles and barriers were hurled at them.

Scotland Yard said it also imposed the conditions based on the ‘current intelligence picture’. 

Founder and former leader of the anti-Islam English Defence League, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, AKA Tommy Robinson attends a pro-Brexit demonstration with a gash on his head, supported by swathes of pro-Brexit campaigners 

Founder and former leader of the anti-Islam English Defence League, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, AKA Tommy Robinson attends a pro-Brexit demonstration with a gash on his head, supported by swathes of pro-Brexit campaigners 

'This march isn't about Brexit, it's about far-right extremists dressing up in suits and pretending to be respectable,' Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said. A sign reading 'Brexit means exit' echoes the opinions of Robinson-backed demonstrators 

‘This march isn’t about Brexit, it’s about far-right extremists dressing up in suits and pretending to be respectable,’ Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said. A sign reading ‘Brexit means exit’ echoes the opinions of Robinson-backed demonstrators 

People holding placards opposing Tommy Robinson take part in a separate protest ahead of a UKIP-backed Brexit betrayal rally. Their signs carry messages such as 'No to Islamophobia', something they think UKIP and Robinson facilitate 

People holding placards opposing Tommy Robinson take part in a separate protest ahead of a UKIP-backed Brexit betrayal rally. Their signs carry messages such as ‘No to Islamophobia’, something they think UKIP and Robinson facilitate 

Gathering outside the Dorchester Hotel, Mr Robinson’s supporters marched along a specified route from Park Lane to Parliament Street.

There, police barriers separated them from counter-demonstrators who marched from outside the BBC building in Portland Place to Whitehall.

Nick Lowles, chief executive of anti-racism campaigners Hope Not Hate, was among those critical of Mr Robinson’s rally.

‘This is a cynical attempt by some of the most extreme voices in Britain, united in hatred for Muslims and other minorities, to exploit Brexit tensions and sow discord and hatred, much as Gerard Batten has done with Ukip and its Islamophobic charge to the right since he took over,’ he said. 

The counter protest takes place three days before parliament is due to make the crucial vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal with the European Union

The counter protest takes place three days before parliament is due to make the crucial vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal with the European Union

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, AKA Tommy Robinson (3rd L) smiles as he attends a pro-Brexit demonstration promoted by UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party) in central London

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, AKA Tommy Robinson (3rd L) smiles as he attends a pro-Brexit demonstration promoted by UKIP (United Kingdom Independence Party) in central London

Metropolitan Police officers marshal demonstrators during the Anti-Tommy Robinson and UKIP rally today 

Metropolitan Police officers marshal demonstrators during the Anti-Tommy Robinson and UKIP rally today 

People holding placards opposing Tommy Robinson take part in a separate, anti-fascist action, protest

People holding placards opposing Tommy Robinson take part in a separate, anti-fascist action, protest

'Oppose Tommy Robinson - don't let the racists divide us' adorn the placards waved by anti Tommy Robinson demonstrators 

‘Oppose Tommy Robinson – don’t let the racists divide us’ adorn the placards waved by anti Tommy Robinson demonstrators 

The Metropolitan Police had appealed for both sides to protest peacefully, after some Robinson supporters praised rioting

The Metropolitan Police had appealed for both sides to protest peacefully, after some Robinson supporters praised rioting

Some of the pro-Brexit contingent took aim at the BBC for 'Fake news' - a term popularised by right wing US President Trump

Some of the pro-Brexit contingent took aim at the BBC for ‘Fake news’ – a term popularised by right wing US President Trump

Demonstrators hold flags and placards while linking arms during an Anti-Tommy Robinson rally in central London

Demonstrators hold flags and placards while linking arms during an Anti-Tommy Robinson rally in central London

One sign among the pro-Brexit marchers reads: 'Treason May has signed over entire British defence system' 

One sign among the pro-Brexit marchers reads: ‘Treason May has signed over entire British defence system’ 

Anti racism groups accused Tommy Robinson and UKIP of fascism and branded them 'Nazis' with some of their signage 

Anti racism groups accused Tommy Robinson and UKIP of fascism and branded them ‘Nazis’ with some of their signage 

A woman holds up a sign throwing her weight behind the pro leave camp. 'Make Brexit happen, join UKIP' the sign reads 

A woman holds up a sign throwing her weight behind the pro leave camp. ‘Make Brexit happen, join UKIP’ the sign reads 

Police officers marshal Tommy Robinson supporters away from demonstrators during the Anti-Tommy Robinson and UKIP rally

Police officers marshal Tommy Robinson supporters away from demonstrators during the Anti-Tommy Robinson and UKIP rally

A police officer controls his police horse as demonstrators march nearby during the Anti-Tommy Robinson and UKIP rally

A police officer controls his police horse as demonstrators march nearby during the Anti-Tommy Robinson and UKIP rally

 

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