Tommy Robinson, born Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, is a British far-right activist known primarily for his anti-Islam and anti-immigration stance. He co-founded the English Defence League (EDL) in 2009, a far-right group he led until 2013. Over the years, he has been involved in various far-right political activities, including brief membership in the British National Party and the British Freedom Party. He has also been active as a self-styled journalist focusing on alleged Muslim involvement in child sexual abuse. Robinson has a criminal record including convictions for assault, illegal entry to the United States using a friend's passport, violating court orders by livestreaming defendants entering court, and contempt of court related to libel against a refugee. He has served multiple prison sentences from 2005 to 2025. Robinson's activism has often involved provocative street protests and rallies that have drawn large numbers of supporters and also led to police violence and arrests. Financially, he declared bankruptcy in 2021 after gambling losses and owes substantial debts including to HM Revenue and Customs. He has also been involved in controversies over funding from far- right sources, including US-based support linked to the transatlantic "counter-jihad" movement. In recent years, Robinson has shifted somewhat to a role as a political advisor and independent media figure, but remains a highly controversial figure associated with far-right activism and legal troubles in the UK.
