Tommy Robinson Visits US State Department
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has toured the US State Department in Washington DC.
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, shared on X that he had the
"privilege of an invite"to the State Department and was in the US
"making alliances and friendships".
He was hosted by senior US official Joe Rittenhouse, who posted on X that he was
"honored to have free speech warrior"Robinson at the State Department.
The BBC has sought comment from the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that Robinson is
"not a representative of the UK".
The State Department informed the BBC that Robinson visited the foreign policy branch of the US government
"in an unofficial capacity".
Robinson's Background and Support
Robinson is a well-known political campaigner with a criminal record including convictions for assault and mortgage fraud.
In 2024, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting contempt of court for repeating false claims against a Syrian refugee.
He has received support from prominent conservative American politicians, and billionaire Elon Musk has publicly expressed backing for him.
Last year, Musk posted on X
"Free Tommy Robinson!"
Senior figures from the Trump administration, including former President Donald Trump, have accused UK authorities of suppressing free speech.
US Criticism of UK Human Rights
The State Department's 2024 human rights report criticized the UK, stating that the human rights situation had deteriorated.
The report noted credible accounts of
"serious restrictions on freedom of expression, including enforcement of or threat of criminal or civil laws in order to limit expression".
UK Political Response
The Liberal Democrats responded to the Trump administration hosting Robinson, calling it
"a wake-up call".
The party's foreign affairs spokesman, Calum Miller, urged the UK government to include the US in its investigation into foreign interference in British politics.
He stated,
"We cannot stand by while the likes of Trump and Musk meddle in our democracy,"emphasizing concerns over external influence.
