Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, led a demonstration outside the BBC’s Salford headquarters on Saturday, where he screened his film Panodrama on a large screen. The protest was in response to a BBC Panorama investigation into his activities.
Counter-protests were organised by Stand Up To Racism and Unite Against Fascism, attracting around 800 people. Labour activist Navendu Mishra addressed the counter-demonstration, saying: “People of various backgrounds, age, gender and race assembled to share a message of hope, unity and community.” Placards carried slogans such as “stop the fascist Tommy Robinson”.
Robinson appeared on stage and attacked the media, claiming that “not one single journalist in Britain has reported on Panodrama”. UK Independence Party leader Gerard Batten also spoke before the film, stating: “He speaks up for things that are right, he tells the truth and he can mobilise lots of people like you, and that’s what they fear.” No arrests were made; Greater Manchester Police estimated 4,000 people attended the main demonstration.
The National Union of Journalists condemned the protest, describing Robinson and his supporters as “far-right thugs” who intend to intimidate BBC staff. An NUJ spokesperson said: “Intimidation, threats and violence carried out by far-right protesters systematically targeting the media... are becoming more frequent.” The BBC defended its journalism, stating that any Panorama programme would adhere to strict editorial guidelines and rejecting claims of bias or fakery.
