Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tommy Robinson endorses Boris Johnson

'We back Boris, now just get us out of the EU,' message on far-right activist's Telegram channel reads

Tom Embury-Dennis
Monday 09 September 2019 15:26 BST
Comments
Tommy Robinson supporters attack police officer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jailed far-right activist Tommy Robinson appears to have endorsed Boris Johnson as Britain's prime minister.

The operators of his official Telegram channel, "Tommy Robinson News", called for supporters to “back Boris”.

"It is refreshing to actually see someone have a pair and stand up for British democracy," the message reads. "21 Tory traitors decided to side with Corbyn and the Labour traitors and try and block the Brexit that the majority of people voted for.

"Boris sacked them which was good to see! Amber Rudd resigns - who gives a s***. We back Boris, now just get us out of the EU. Labour are crying that Boris is stealing democracy when in fact he is trying to do what the people voted for.

"The very same Labour traitors crying that democracy is being stolen are preventing a general election because they know that the people will vote Boris. #BackBoris".

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was jailed last month for contempt of court, over a video the anti-Islam activist broadcast on Facebook featuring defendants in a criminal trial.

The message of support for Mr Johnson came after far-right group the Democratic Football Lads Alliance (DFLA) staged a pro-Brexit rally in London over the weekend.

The demonstration in Parliament square, attended by around 200 people, saw an altercation with anti-Brexit protesters which led police to intervene.

It comes amid a crisis in parliament which has seen Mr Johnson rip up constitutional norms in an attempt to give him the freedom to push through a no-deal Brexit.

No 10's latest strategy, revealed by foreign secretary Dominic Raab, will see the government go to court to challenge an order from parliament to delay leaving the European Union (EU).

The showdown in the Supreme Court, likely just days before the EU's 31 October Brexit deadline, is an attempt by ministers to avoid directly breaking the law when compelled to ask for a further Article 50 extension, while also sidestepping the requirement to comply with it.

Under the terms of the new law, Mr Johnson must request an extension to Brexit negotiations to the end of January next year unless he can secure a deal or parliamentary approval for no-deal by 19 October.

But Mr Johnson's “plan B” paves the way for an unprecedented political crisis after the 19 October date – with the threat of the prime minister being jailed for contempt of court.

With the deadline for crashing out on 31 October, it will be a race against time to force Mr Johnson to Brussels before Halloween, or to bring him down in a vote of no confidence and send a replacement.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in