How the Tommy Robinson machine is manufacturing a new generation of media-savvy activists

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon’s racist alter-ego Tommy Robinson has been parading around the Old Bailey recently, legions of followers in tow. Ever since he was caught live-streaming outside of Leeds Crown Court in May this year his freedom has hung in the balance. He’s been whisked in and out of prison and could face more punishment.

This, for anyone else, would be something to dread. Not for Yaxley-Lennon. His former assistant, Lucy Brown, spoke out against him in the Times last August. She divulged that the donation figures from his loyal fans take a somersault whenever he nears trouble. She told Times journalist Andrew Gilligan:

“I thought genuinely that I was joining the side that told the truth and I’ve come to realise that it’s not. It’s just about getting [YouTube] views and retweets. This is a business and your outrage, valid as it is, will be monetised as such.”

Brown being interviewed by Alex Jones.

Brown was Yaxley-Lennon’s protégé. She produced videos, organised events, and even got attacked by left-wing activists in a McDonald’s car park gor the cause. Her relationship with Yaxley-Lennon came to an end after a Muslim blogger was refused the microphone at a free speech rally on her boss’s orders. She soon parted ways with the media team and has used the opportunity to work elsewhere in fringe politics. After giving away the secrets of her former employer she now uses media stunts to campaign for a hard Brexit.

This is something that happens frequently — young people are enveloped within the Tommy Robinson brand, leave when the time is right and spread their wings across the international far-right scene.

Unlike his comrades from the English Defence League, Yaxley-Lennon’s brand is gathering speed. Somehow he has found a formula to win big from being a professional bigot — blame the Muslims, get persecuted, then blame the Elites too. Add in a healthy serving of viral propaganda and watch the donations roll in. But for this operation to run smoothly he needs a loyal team of activists behind the scenes.

Being an entertainer-cum-racist in the United Kingdom is good business. In these tumultuous times — with the ongoing stress of a race-baiting Brexit and the xenophobic triumphs of the Trump administration — the time is just right to become a far right celebrity. And those outraged right-wingers, from all classes, have deep pockets. Keeping this in mind, it’s not hard to see why the Tommy Robinson brand is an great opportunity for many youths trying to prove their name. You’d be mad to pass up this doorway to almost instant notoriety and riches.