Far-right activist Tommy Robinson was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers outside a central London venue hosting commentator Jordan Peterson on Tuesday evening. The arrest followed heated confrontations between Robinson's supporters and anti-racism demonstrators, prompting a significant police response to manage the escalating tensions.
Confrontation and Arrest Outside Event
The incident unfolded near the Emmanuel Centre, where Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson was scheduled to speak. A large group of protestors from the organisation Stand Up To Racism had gathered to demonstrate against the event. Upon his arrival, Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was met with a barrage of shouts and protests from the crowd.
Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as verbal sparring quickly intensified. Metropolitan Police officers, who had deployed a substantial number of personnel in anticipation of trouble, moved in to separate the groups and prevent a breach of the peace. It was during this intervention that Robinson was detained.
Police Statement on Public Order Incident
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest in an official statement, citing a pre-planned policing operation for the event. "A man was arrested for a public order offence outside a venue in Westminster on Tuesday, 19 March," a spokesperson said. "He was taken into custody and has since been released on bail pending further enquiries."
The force emphasised its commitment to facilitating peaceful protest while ensuring public safety, a balancing act that required a visible and robust presence throughout the evening.
Reactions from Protest Groups and Supporters
Stand Up To Racism organisers hailed the demonstration as a success, stating their objective was to voice opposition to what they label as "hate speech and far-right rhetoric." They claimed responsibility for effectively highlighting their cause and forcing a confrontation with a key figure of the far-right movement.
Conversely, Robinson's supporters decried the arrest as an attempt to silence free speech and peaceful assembly. Videos circulated on social media showed his backers criticising the police's handling of the situation, alleging heavy-handed tactics.
The event inside, featuring Jordan Peterson, proceeded without major interruption, though the disturbances outside cast a long shadow over the evening's proceedings. The incident underscores the ongoing and deeply polarised debates surrounding free speech, public protest, and far-right activism in the UK.
