A Muslim women's organization has called for tighter restrictions on a Tommy Robinson-led rally scheduled for this Saturday in central London, warning that the event will be exploited to incite 'racist and religious hatred.'
Concerns Over Remote Speeches
Muslim Women's Network UK cautioned that the march could fuel violence against Muslims unless the Metropolitan Police robustly enforces hate speech and incitement laws throughout the event. In a letter to the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office, chief executive Baroness Shaista Gohir highlighted that controversial figures banned from entering the country could still deliver speeches via remote link. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has reportedly banned seven individuals from entering the UK ahead of the march, including anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez, who gained notoriety for burning a copy of the Koran.
Previous Incidents Cited
Baroness Gohir referenced a previous Tommy Robinson event in London where Elon Musk appeared via video link and made remarks widely criticized as inflammatory. That speech was broadcast to a crowd exceeding 100,000 people and amplified on social media. The event also resulted in significant violence, including assaults on police officers. She expressed concern about the possible remote involvement of international far-right figures and urged authorities to assess risks posed by attendees who may use the gathering to promote anti-Muslim hostility.
Police Restrictions and Calls for Action
Scotland Yard has announced geographical restrictions on the event, which coincides with a pro-Palestine demonstration marking Nakba Day. However, Baroness Gohir appealed for stronger measures, noting that the UK terror threat level has been raised to 'severe.' She questioned why the police have not prevented the march or imposed further restrictions, especially since organizers have been granted access to prominent locations like Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, and Parliament Square. The Muslim Women's Network called for a transparent risk assessment, robust monitoring of hate speech laws, meaningful engagement with affected communities, and clear communication about safeguarding measures.
Background on the Rally
The demonstration is organized by far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. A previous gathering in September drew crowds of between 110,000 and 150,000 people. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley previously expressed concern about the scale of protests and stated that his force is 'looking hard at what conditions and powers we should use.' A Home Office spokesperson emphasized that laws are designed to protect both the freedom to protest and public safety, adding that there is no place for those who abuse the right to peaceful protest and spread racism and hate.
