A MAJOR march against antisemitism has seen English Defence League founder Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – who calls himself "Tommy Robinson" – arrested by police.
Tens of thousands of people were expected to march in London in the demonstration, a day after pro-Palestinian crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.
A temporary truce between Hamas and Israel is still holding, with the release of a second group of hostages and Palestinians from Israeli prisons coming late on Saturday.
There had been fears that Robinson, the former leader of the far-right grouping, could disrupt the protest organised by charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
NOW - Police arrest Tommy Robinson in London. pic.twitter.com/Sslu9cl3mM
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) November 26, 2023
The Metropolitan Police had made clear in advance that he was “not welcome” at the march, with the force warning that any offences “whether from within the protest or from any groups trying to challenge or interfere with the march” would be dealt with.
Robinson had previously been seen among the crowds of counter-protesters who clashed with police during ceasefire protests held on Armistice Day.
On Sunday, he was seen arguing with officers for about 10 minutes outside Soho coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice.
He was then led away from the scene. The Metropolitan police later confirmed he had been arrested, saying he "refused to comply with a direction to disperse under Section 35 of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act".
The force added in a statement: "We have been in frequent contact with the organisers of the march in recent days. They have been clear about their concerns that the man's attendance, and that of those who were likely to accompany him, would cause fear for other participants. The same view has been voiced by others.
"As a result, he was spoken to and warned on more than one occasion that his continued presence in the area was likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress to others. He was directed to leave the area but refused to do so.
"We're aware that the man had suggested he was in the area as a journalist. This was not a relevant factor in his arrest."
This story has been updated to confirm that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson) has been arrested. For legal reasons, this means comments have had to be turned off.
