Concerns Surrounding Tommy Robinson’s Potential Move to the US
Counter-extremism experts have raised alarms that far-right leader Tommy Robinson could follow in the footsteps of Andrew Tate and potentially travel to the United States following his release from prison. Robinson, who is currently serving an 18-month sentence after pleading guilty to contempt of court charges last October, is expected to regain his freedom in July.
The former leader of the English Defence League (EDL), Robinson has previously encountered obstacles in securing a US visa. In 2019, he publicly appealed to then-President Donald Trump for asylum, alleging persecution in the UK. His ties to prominent figures, including Trump ally Elon Musk, have only intensified concerns about his future.
Dr. Elizabeth Pearson, an expert in counter-extremism who conducted extensive research on Robinson for her book Extreme Britain, expressed her apprehensions regarding the potential lifting of his travel ban. She stated, “The current administration can change anything that they want, and they’re demonstrating daily that they are ripping up the rule book.”
Robinson’s situation comes on the heels of self-proclaimed misogynist influencer Andrew Tate and his brother, Tristan, being granted permission to travel to America by Romanian authorities amid serious allegations of rape and human trafficking, which they deny. The Tate brothers, who hold dual citizenship in the US and the UK, reportedly enjoy support from individuals within the Trump administration, including Donald Trump Jr. and Barron Trump. Trump Jr. has referred to Andrew Tate’s imprisonment in Romania as “absolute insanity,” while Tate has claimed to have close ties to the Trump family.
When questioned about Trump’s involvement in their release, the Tates’ attorney, Joseph McBride, cryptically remarked, “Do the math. These guys are on the plane.” Although the US government typically refrains from commenting on individual cases, it is understood that Robinson’s previous criminal convictions and a failed attempt to enter the US using a friend’s passport in 2012 have contributed to his travel restrictions.
In addition to his prison sentence, Robinson is awaiting a separate trial in the UK, where he faces charges related to terror offenses for allegedly failing to provide the police with the PIN to his mobile phone. Dr. Pearson emphasized that if a sitting US President desires Robinson to enter the country, he likely could. She expressed her lack of confidence in the current travel ban, stating, “I’m not comforted by the idea there’s a ban on his flying [there].”
Anti-extremism advocates worry that if Robinson were to relocate to the US, it would grant him greater legitimacy, galvanize his supporters, and enhance his fundraising capabilities. Nick Lowles, chief executive of the campaign group Hope Not Hate (HNH), articulated the organization’s concerns, asserting that “there is a real risk” Robinson may be allowed to travel to the US. He noted that those close to Robinson are pushing for this move, viewing it as both a financial opportunity and a political endorsement of his views.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, made a previous unsuccessful attempt to secure a US visa in 2018 during the Trump administration. However, he now finds himself with influential allies in the form of Elon Musk, who has repeatedly advocated for Robinson’s release and has even covered some of his legal fees in the past. Musk’s involvement intensified when Robinson faced backlash after three girls were tragically killed in a stabbing incident in Southport, an event that he was accused of using to inflame tensions against the UK’s Muslim community.
Dr. Pearson noted the implications of Musk’s public support, stating, “As soon as I saw Elon Musk’s tweets attacking Keir Starmer and lauding Tommy Robinson, I had this sense of fear and foreboding.” She elaborated, “Tommy Robinson is very useful to bolster the free speech, anti-Islam issues they are capitalising on. Robinson is very useful to someone like Elon Musk and the Trump administration.”
The possibility of Robinson obtaining the ability to travel to the US raises concerns about new funding opportunities that could further empower his extremist views and elevate his profile. Dr. Pearson observed that Robinson has a strong desire for mainstream recognition, and any approval from the White House would likely be perceived as a significant endorsement. She stated, “He was always extremely keen to be legitimised. He had a very strong desire to be listened to by people that in mainstream terms matter and have authority.”
This potential endorsement would likely be interpreted by his followers as a “legitimising move” and a slight against the British government, potentially emboldening far-right groups in the UK. A spokesperson for the Commission for Countering Extremism commented, “Our work focuses on tackling extremism in all its forms and providing the government with impartial, expert advice and scrutiny on the tools, policies and approaches needed to tackle extremism.” They added that operational decisions regarding travel restrictions are under the jurisdiction of other government departments.
The i Paper also reached out to the Home Office, the White House, Mr. Musk, and Robinson’s team regarding this situation but did not receive a response.
Robinson’s History of Attempts to Enter the US
Robinson has faced multiple obstacles in his attempts to enter the United States. In 2013, he was imprisoned in the UK after attempting to travel to America using a passport belonging to another individual. This incident occurred after he had been previously denied entry. Robinson used the passport of his friend Andrew McMaster to board a flight to New York from Heathrow. He managed to navigate through the bag-drop area using a self-check-in kiosk but was apprehended upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport when customs officials discovered that his fingerprints did not match those of McMaster. After being summoned for a second interview, Robinson illegally left the airport and returned to the UK the following day using his own passport.
In 2018, he made another attempt to secure a US visa during the Trump administration but was unsuccessful. He had been set to meet with various Republican members of Congress and was invited by the Middle East Forum think tank, which has previously provided funding for Robinson. A coalition of over 50 MPs, including Labour figures Wes Streeting and Jess Phillips, supported a motion urging the government to maintain Robinson’s travel ban, citing concerns that lifting it would adversely affect community relations in the UK due to increased media exposure and fundraising opportunities in America.
