Tommy Robinson charged under Terrorism Act ahead of supporters’ march in London
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Tommy Robinson has been charged under the Terrorism Act a day before thousands of his supporters are expected to turn up to a march through London.
The far-right activist, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said in a video posted to X that he would be handing himself in at Folkestone Police Station at 3pm today, and he expected to be arrested.
Supporters turned out to cheer him upon his arrival on the scene in a black Nissan Elgrand.
Kent Police said he was charged with failing to provide the Pin to his mobile phone under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, and he is being held on remand ahead of a separate court appearance next week.
Police in the capital are preparing for large-scale protests tomorrow, as demonstrators backing Robinson are met with a counter-protest organised by campaign group Stop the War.
According to the Metropolitan Police, static rallies are expected at the end of both marches.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who is leading the operation, said: ‘We are well prepared for what is set to be a busy day in the centre of London.
‘Our role is to ensure that those attending the various events can do so safely and that they can exercise their right to lawful protest.’
Robinson is currently facing a return to prison over contempt of court charges, linked to the screening of a film he made at a demonstration in July.
It is understood the airing is alleged to have breached a 2021 High Court injunction preventing him from repeating libellous claims about a Syrian refugee who successfully sued him.
He is due to appear at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday for a two-day hearing in relation to the charges.
The latest charge is in relation to an incident in Folkestone on July 28 after officers stopped him under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Robinson was arrested after being accused of ‘frustration’ of police counter-terrorism powers.
Following his attendance at the police station today, he has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 13.
However, despite the bail he is being held on remand ahead of his court appearance on Monday.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.