BBC rejects Tommy Robinson rally claims that Panorama documentary is ‘faked’ The corporation has said all its ethical and reporting guidelines have been followed when Panorama airs

Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, arranged a protest of about 4,000 people outside BBC’s Manchester offices to show a film containing hidden camera footage of investigative journalist John Sweeney, claiming his film exposes the BBC’s methods.

The BBC is producing an episode of Panorama is investigating far-right leader Tommy Robinson.

The corporation has said all its ethical and reporting guidelines have been followed when Panorama airs.

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‘Don’t touch the photographers… today’

Journalists who cover protests say rallies involving Mr Robinson are some of the most highly charged because the far-right sees the media as part of the problem.

On Saturday, an organiser told protesters to let photographers and other media to report on the demonstration.

He said: “Don’t touch the photographers or any of the media companies. Let them be. Just for today.”

Mr Robinson is currently working with Ukip, a link that made Nigel Farage quit the party. Ukip leader Gerard Batten was also on stage supporting Robinson, and he urged protesters to join his political party.

About 300 metres away, an anti-fascist protest was staged, with hundreds holding signs with slogans including “Stand up to racism” and “Stop the fascist Tommy Robinson”.

BBC ‘investigation will continue’

Stephen Yaxley-Lennon launched a ludicrous attack on HOPE not hate at his demonstration in Salford earlier today. Here’s our response: https://t.co/wkQGYQ3Zws — HOPE not hate (@hopenothate) February 23, 2019

A BBC spokeswoman said: “BBC Panorama is investigating Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

“The BBC strongly rejects any suggestion that our journalism is ‘faked’ or biased. Any programme we broadcast will adhere to the BBC’s strict editorial guidelines.

“Some of the footage which has been released was recorded without our knowledge during this investigation and John Sweeney made some offensive and inappropriate remarks, for which he apologises.

“BBC Panorama’s investigation will continue.”

Responding to the Panodrama film, Hope Not Hate’s chief executive Nick Lowles said: “This is just a desperate attempt by Stephen Lennon (Robinson) to derail a programme that will unmask his criminality, threatening and bullying behaviour and racism.

“Not only are his allegations without merit, HOPE not hate has documentary evidence to refute them.

“Text messages, emails, and phone call recordings from his own associates that we have in our possession contradict the ludicrous claims he has made.”

Additional reporting from the Press Association