UK Parliamentarians Voice Outrage Over US Welcome for Controversial Figure
British Members of Parliament have issued a forceful condemnation of the Trump administration's decision to host far-right activist Tommy Robinson in Washington DC. The controversial visit has sparked urgent calls for the United States to be included within an ongoing independent investigation examining foreign interference in United Kingdom political affairs.
A Contentious Visit to the State Department
The activist, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was feted during his American trip, which included meetings with a political appointee at the Department of State and a Republican Congressman. This visit has raised significant questions regarding how Robinson, a former member of the extreme-right British National Party and a leader of often-violent street protests, managed to overcome a previous ban on entering the United States.
Given his multiple criminal convictions—including for fraud, violence, drug possession, and attempting to enter the US in 2012 using a false passport—it is highly probable that US authorities intervened on a discretionary basis to permit his entry. Robinson has long cultivated American connections, most recently claiming financial support from Elon Musk for a legal battle last year.
MPs Demand Scrutiny and Action
The hosting event was described as "a wake-up call" by Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrat MP and foreign affairs spokesperson. "The government needs to include the US in their inquiry into foreign interference in UK politics," he asserted, referencing the independent review into foreign financial influence. "We cannot stand by while the likes of Trump and Musk meddle in our democracy."
While Prime Minister Keir Starmer has historically criticized Robinson's activities, commenting directly is considered diplomatically sensitive due to relations with the US. A Downing Street spokesperson stated cautiously, "First and foremost, he's not a representative of the UK." However, members of Starmer's own Labour Party were less restrained.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons foreign affairs select committee, argued, "Yaxley-Lennon is being touted around Washington as a 'free speech warrior'. We need to engage this administration on the difference between that and incitement to violence and racial hatred. There should be no place in any democracy for the latter."
Labour MP Calvin Bailey, serving on the Commons defence select committee, labeled Robinson "an enemy of Britain and our values," adding, "He has repeatedly flouted the law and proven himself to be a fraudster and a crook. The US national security strategy made clear there are some in the administration who want to interfere in our democracies, in opposition to British and European values."
Inside the Washington Welcome
Robinson was hosted at the State Department by Joe Rittenhouse, a senior adviser, who posted images on social media platform X with the caption: "Honoured to have free speech warrior @TRobinsonNewEra at Department of State today. The world and the West is a better place when we fight for freedom of speech and no one has been on the front lines more than Tommy. Good to see you my friend!"
Rittenhouse, a senior advisor to the Bureau of Consular Affairs which issues visas, has become a prominent advocate for what he terms an "America First visa policy," aligning with the administration's broader anti-immigration agenda. A former activist and Trump supporter from Pennsylvania, he has been involved in decisions to revoke visas for pro-Palestine activists and others.
He has also developed a niche in facilitating US visits for right-wing activists. In December, he assisted Canadian activist Lauren Chen's return to the US after she lost her work visa following revelations that her pro-Maga outlet received $10 million in Russian state funding. "This Christmas I'm so happy to help correct the wrongs of the past administration," Rittenhouse wrote at the time.
The State Department did not respond to inquiries about who granted Robinson's visa or his other meetings, stating only that he visited "in an unofficial capacity on a tour."
Media Engagements and Future Ambitions
During his visit, Robinson appeared on several US right-wing media platforms. He met with Republican Congressman Randy Fine of Florida, influential Maga activist Jack Posobiec, and podcaster Tim Pool, whom Robinson praised for building a "success story" with extensive studios and staff.
Observers believe the trip is aimed at paving the way for Robinson to generate income and potentially relocate to the United States. Previous reports indicate he has asked wealthy American backers for help claiming asylum and approached the office of Republican Senator Ted Cruz regarding visa acquisition.
A leading immigration lawyer explained that individuals with serious criminal convictions like fraud or drug offenses are typically ineligible for visa-free travel to the US. "While an embassy may recommend a waiver, the final decision is made by US authorities in the United States, often several months later," they noted, adding that a full criminal history must be declared, often with additional evidence of rehabilitation.
The visit occurs against a backdrop of alarm following the Trump administration's recent national security strategy, which appeared to align US interests with European far-right politicians. Robinson, who has reinvented himself as a self-styled journalist, actively seeks to engage Trump's base with anti-Muslim rhetoric and claims that freedom of speech is under threat in the UK.
