Watch: Tommy Robinson arrested at anti-Semitism march
Tommy Robinson is led away by police on Sunday – Paul Grover for the Telegraph Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defence League was escorted away by police as thousands attended a march against anti-Semitism in London. Police later confirmed a 40-year-old man had been arrested close to the Royal Courts of Justice, from where the demonstration began on Sunday afternoon.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson joined thousands of people for the demonstration, a day after pro-Palestinian crowds also gathered in the capital to demand a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. A 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 Mr Robinson, the former leader of the far-Right grouping[1], could disrupt the protest organised by charity Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Mr Robinson, 40, 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 a coffee shop opposite the Royal Courts of Justice. He was then led away from the scene.
‘Frequent contact’
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “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.” Tom Tugendhat, the security minister joined minor celebrities including Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rachel Riley and Robert Rinder at the march, which saw marchers join in singing as they proceeded through the city. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis[2] was among those at the front the crowd, as marchers waved Israeli and Union flags as well as placards reading “Never Again Is Now” and “Zero Tolerance for Antisemites”.
Story continues Appearing on Sky’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott said: “I’m very concerned about people, particularly Jewish people, feeling safe on the streets. [embedded content]
“I think it is right that the police take all necessary action to make sure that people are able to walk about their home city without fear.” Israel said early on Sunday that it had received a new list of hostages[3] slated to be released later in the day, in the third of four scheduled swaps. Among those reunited with their family was nine-year-old Irish-Israeli girl Emily Hand, who was among those abducted by the Palestinian militant group during the deadly Hamas attack on Oct 7.
Hamas is to release at least 50 Israeli hostages, and Israel 150 Palestinian prisoners. All are women and minors. The deal seemed at risk of unravelling on Saturday after Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement, delaying the exchange.
But the militants eventually released 17 hostages, including 13 Israelis, while Israel freed 39 Palestinian prisoners. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism.
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References
- ^ Mr Robinson, the former leader of the far-Right grouping (www.telegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (www.telegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Israel said early on Sunday that it had received a new list of hostages (www.telegraph.co.uk)
- ^ Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism.
Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just £9 with our US-exclusive offer.
(secure.telegraph.co.uk)