Tommy Robinson first gained national attention as an irate young man leading football fans into confrontations with Islamist activists in Luton, disrupting a parade for soldiers returning from Afghanistan.
Fifteen years later, while his anger and message persist, much has changed. Robinson, now 41, no longer leads from the streets but exerts his influence from afar. Recently, he has been in a £400-a-night all-inclusive hotel in Cyprus, lounging by the pool in swimming trunks.
In today’s world, it’s possible to work and incite disorder from anywhere. A reporter observed Robinson seamlessly combining holiday activities with spreading inflammatory messages via his phone. Between gym sessions, pizza breaks, and pool dips, he continuously posted provocative content on social media.
This is what Tommy Robinson is up to while his followers burn their own communities (and image) to the ground.
A true patriot 🏴🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/grhMvG0C1Y
— ADAM (@AdameMedia) August 4, 2024
Robinson’s posts criticised the police for their handling of Muslim protests, the media for labelling protesters as ‘far-right’, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper for calling them ‘thugs’. He also spread false stories, including claims of Muslims stabbing protesters in Staffordshire and attacking women in Scotland.
When accused of inciting ongoing disorder, Robinson deflected blame. In a video, he said, “It’s not on me, it’s on you. Your policy failures and two-tier policing caused this, not me.”
With nearly 900,000 followers on Twitter/X, Robinson has transformed from a street fighter to a social media influencer. Banned from the platform in 2018, he was reinstated last year by new owner Elon Musk. Robinson’s analytics showed his posts were viewed 1.2 billion times in the three months to August. He thanked Musk personally for his reinstatement, stating his gratitude for having his voice back at a crucial time.
Musk himself is embroiled in a dispute with the British government after making inflammatory statements on his platform. He wrote “Civil war is inevitable” in response to rioting images in Liverpool and questioned PM’s focus on attacks on mosques and Muslims, suggesting concern for all communities.
Robinson, declared bankrupt in 2021, continues a life of luxury. Financial support has come from right-wing networks in Canada and the US, online donations, and his work as a ‘journalist’. Campaigners claim he is worth millions and call for an investigation into his finances. Robinson claims to have squandered a fortune on gambling and partying. His current luxurious stay is unexplained, but while British towns face turmoil, Robinson risks only sunburn in Cyprus.
Born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, Robinson’s surname comes from his stepfather. Raised in Luton by a bakery-working mother and a stepfather employed at Vauxhall car plant, Robinson was an able student with 11 GCSEs.
Robinson’s worldview was shaped by his experiences in Luton, where Muslims now make up over a quarter of the population. He recalls being warned about immigrants and felt a clear divide at school.
After leaving school at 16, Robinson landed an apprenticeship as an aircraft engineer but lost his job following a 12-month jail sentence for assaulting an off-duty policeman. He then worked as a carpenter and plumber, owned a tanning salon, and briefly joined the British National Party before rising to prominence in 2009.
The English Defence League (EDL) emerged after Islamist protesters disrupted a homecoming parade for soldiers. Robinson led local football fans in a backlash, and the EDL, known for aggressive, anti-Muslim rhetoric, quickly grew.
Robinson adopted his alias from the organiser of Luton Town’s football hooligan firm, fearing reprisals. Married with three children, he continued his activism, facing multiple legal issues including a jail sentence for using a false passport.
After leaving the EDL, Robinson focused on sexual grooming gangs, accusing the police of inaction due to fear of being labelled racist. As social media use grew, Robinson capitalised on his notoriety, positioning himself as a ‘journalist’ and receiving significant funding for his work.
In 2017, Robinson was convicted of contempt of court and jailed for nearly collapsing a trial with his live-streaming. Supporters framed this as a free speech issue, turning him into a far-right cause célèbre.
Legal troubles continued, including a defamation case won by a Syrian refugee Robinson falsely accused. Robinson’s breach of an injunction led to a High Court arrest warrant, which could be executed in October.
Recently, Robinson was in Aiya Napa with family and friends while commenting on ongoing UK riots. He denied fleeing the UK, claiming a planned holiday with his children. Critics question how he funds his luxurious lifestyle, but Robinson attributes it to his best-selling books, rejecting the notion he should live modestly due to his working-class background.
The resort where Robinson stays is far from basic, offering a serene environment—a stark contrast to the turmoil back in Britain.
