The group warned that the demonstration could ‘stir racist and religious hatred’
A Muslim women’s organisation has called for tighter restrictions on a Tommy Robinson-led rally due to take place in central London this weekend, warning it will be exploited to incite “racist and religious hatred”.
Muslim Women’s Network UK cautioned that Saturday’s march could fuel violence against Muslims unless the Metropolitan Police robustly enforces hate speech and incitement laws throughout the event.
In a letter addressed to both the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office, chief executive Baroness Shaista Gohir highlighted that controversial figures banned from entering the country would still be capable of delivering speeches via remote link. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has reportedly already banned seven individuals from entering the UK ahead of the march, amongst them anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez, who rose to fame through provocative acts such as burning a copy of the Koran.
US figure Joey Mannarino announced last week that he too had been refused entry. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared that “far-right agitators” would be prevented from entering the country for the rally, which he characterised as “designed to confront and intimidate this diverse country”.
Crossbench peer Baroness Gohir stated in her letter: “At Tommy Robinson’s previous London event, Elon Musk appeared via video link and made a number of remarks that were widely criticised as inflammatory and potentially capable of inciting violence. This speech was broadcast to a crowd exceeding 100,000 people and was subsequently amplified across social media platforms.”
Baroness Gohir continued: “The event also resulted in significant violence, including police officers being assaulted and injured.We are further concerned by reports suggesting the possible remote or digital involvement of international far-right figures.”
She added: “We recognise that those attending Tommy Robinson rallies will have differing motivations and political views. However, public authorities must still assess the foreseeable risks posed by an inevitable proportion of individuals who will use these gatherings to promote anti-Muslim hostility and stir racist/religious hatred, particularly given the organisers and likely speakers involved.”
Scotland Yard has announced it will impose geographical restrictions on the event, which is scheduled to coincide with a pro-Palestine demonstration marking Nakba Day. Appealing to the Met to take stronger action, Baroness Gohir stated: “Given that the UK terror threat level was recently raised to ‘severe’ and the foreseeable risk that the gathering is likely to contribute to hostility, intimidation, and violence towards Muslims, we are concerned that the police have not exercised their powers to prevent or place further restrictions on the march.”
She added: “Instead, the organisers have been granted access to prominent and symbolically significant locations including Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, and Parliament Square. We therefore ask whether consideration is being given to the cumulative impact of repeated anti-Muslim mobilisation and rhetoric linked to Tommy Robinson events.”
Muslim Women’s Network stated it was calling for:
- A transparent risk assessment of public order
- A transparent assessment of risks posed by potential speakers and appropriate action
- Robust monitoring and enforcement of hate speech and incitement laws
- Meaningful engagement with affected communities
- Clear communication about safeguarding measures in place
The demonstration has been organised by far-right figurehead 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 had previously expressed that he was “concerned” about the magnitude of the protests, noting that his force was “looking hard at what conditions and powers we should use”.
A Home Office spokesperson stated: “Our laws are designed to protect both the freedom to protest and public safety. There is no place for those who abuse the right to peaceful protest, threaten our communities and spread racism and hate on our streets.”
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