Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has apologised after falsely labelling a Glasgow father an 'invader' who was filming children. The apology came after he shared a video of an anti-immigration protest in the city's Gorbals area on Sunday, which showed 43-year-old Quroum Beg being shouted at by protesters and led away from a playpark by police.
Robinson's Initial Post and Apology
Robinson wrote on X: 'Another invader hanging around a park filming children. Glasgow again too!' Following the post, which reached his two million followers, Mr Beg said he was left 'fearing for his life'. However, on Tuesday, Robinson made a further post stating: 'In this instance I got it wrong, as did many others, so for that I apologise and I have deleted that post.' He added that 'one incorrect example does not mean this issue should be ignored' and that 'people may need to be a little more careful about how they approach these situations from a factual point of view'.
Background of the Incident
Mr Beg had challenged the protesters and filmed his own video after taking his children away from the park. He told them: 'I'm not afraid of you, keep on walking.' He later told STV News: 'I told them "we see you, we all see who you are and what you are doing". They came to our doorstep, and I felt that I had to take a stand because I saw all my neighbours being fearful and leaving the park.' He added: 'I'm the fourth generation in this country, my children will be the fifth generation here. If I don't make a stand, then who else is going to do that?'
Legal Action Considered
Following Robinson's apology, Mr Beg said he is seeking legal advice. He told STV: 'I've been alerted that he's apologised to his followers. Has he apologised to me? And the harm this caused to my reputation and my family? Being falsely accused of something like this, and the abuse that followed, has been deeply distressing. I am taking legal advice and considering my options.'
