'Like a gangster' How Tommy Robinson rose to be leader of Britain's far right
The Guardian|November 02, 2024
At a 40,000-strong rally in Trafalgar Square in London in July, the far-right activist Tommy Robinson was characteristically defiant. "Death, prison or glory, we will never submit to your lies," he declared. "They want to send me to jail [but] the world will know I told the truth."
Harriet Sherwood
'Like a gangster' How Tommy Robinson rose to be leader of Britain's far right

On Monday, Robinson was duly handed 18 months in prison for contempt of court. He had shown no remorse and there was no realistic prospect of rehabilitation, said Mr Justice Johnson at Woolwich crown court. "All of his actions so far suggest that he regards himself as above the law."

In the dock, Robinson pumped his chest and saluted his loyal supporters in the public gallery. They blew kisses back. He was taken to Belmarsh high-security prison in south-east London.

The jailing of Robinson is the latest episode in his apparently inexorable rise from the owner of a tanning salon in Luton, Bedfordshire, to the brash pin-up hero of the far right in the UK, the US and beyond. He is now, arguably, the most potent individual to have emerged on the British far right since Enoch Powell.

Along the way, he has served four jail terms, and has now begun his fifth. None appear to have led him to reflect on and reconsider his actions; indeed, they have reinforced his image as a political martyr to the cause of rightwing extremism.

Robinson is a compl

ex and often contradictory figure, but "we should not underestimate him", said Nick Lowles, chief executive of the anti-racism campaign group, Hope Not Hate, who has watched him closely for years.

He is "massively charismatic" with "enormous reach", said Lowles. "He has an ability to bring huge crowds together on a level that we haven't seen previously. His videos are watched in the millions."

It was easy to see why Robinson, 41, had emerged as a high-profile leader of the far right, said Lowles. "Firstly, he is charismatic and instils a sense of loyalty and following. Secondly, he is willing to get stuck in. He's willing to go to prison, and he's the first one in a fight.

Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 02, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 02, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE GUARDIAN DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Money hacks How to save on winter sports holidays
The Guardian

Money hacks How to save on winter sports holidays

When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, going to Europe will always be cheaper than flying to somewhere such as the US or Canada - but costs vary massively on the continent.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 23, 2024
Scam refund claims
The Guardian

Scam refund claims

Some victims of bank transfer scams will not get a penny back despite beefed-up rules designed to better protect consumers from fraudsters because several big banks have introduced an excess on refund claims.

time-read
1 min  |
November 23, 2024
Packaged accounts Are the perks worth the money?
The Guardian

Packaged accounts Are the perks worth the money?

For a monthly fee, banks offer everyday banking with all kinds of enticing extras. Laura Whateley examines how the 'freebies' stack up

time-read
6 dak  |
November 23, 2024
Spain floods force firms to look south for oranges
The Guardian

Spain floods force firms to look south for oranges

Some British retailers and wholesalers have been forced to switch to sourcing oranges from South Africa and South America earlier than usual after last month's floods in eastern Spain left farmers struggling to harvest and ship their crops.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 23, 2024
Northvolt boss resigns after EV battery firm files for bankruptcy
The Guardian

Northvolt boss resigns after EV battery firm files for bankruptcy

The chief executive of Northvolt has resigned after the Swedish battery startup filed for bankruptcy protection in the US.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 23, 2024
Electric dream sours Carmakers fight strict EV rules as fines loom
The Guardian

Electric dream sours Carmakers fight strict EV rules as fines loom

When Ford announced this week that it was cutting 800 jobs in the UK, the US carmaker had stern words for the government.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 23, 2024
The Guardian

Irish tycoon bids to buy out Yorkshire Post owner

National World, the owner of the Scotsman and Yorkshire Post - and underbidder in the auction for the Telegraph - has received a buyout proposal from largest shareholder.

time-read
1 min  |
November 23, 2024
Bitcoin rises after US SEC chair says he will step down
The Guardian

Bitcoin rises after US SEC chair says he will step down

Cryptocurrencies rose sharply immediately after one of the industry's biggest critics, Gary Gensler, said he would stand down as the head of the US financial regulator when president-elect Donald Trump was inaugurated in January.

time-read
1 min  |
November 23, 2024
Feeling the strain Rising bills and Trump policies to add to pressure on households
The Guardian

Feeling the strain Rising bills and Trump policies to add to pressure on households

Labour swept to power in the wake of a punishing cost of living crisis that hit households hard, with the price of food and energy rocketing, alongside the impact on mortgage rates of Liz Truss's disastrous mini-budget.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 23, 2024
Budget blamed for end to 12 months of expansion as optimism slumps
The Guardian

Budget blamed for end to 12 months of expansion as optimism slumps

Labour's first budget in 14 years has been given the \"thumbs down\" by private sector businesses, with Rachel Reeves's measures blamed for the end to a 12-month run of expansion and a fall in retail sales.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 23, 2024