Why the Establishment Hates This Man | Tommy Robinson | EP 462

Added: Jul 9, 2024

In 2004, at age 22, Robinson organized his first protest called "Ban the Luton Taliban" in response to extremist groups openly recruiting in the town center. He made leaflets highlighting issues like racial targeting, police inaction, and the use of drugs to exploit children. This early activism led to threats and backlash from local gangs.

By 2009, Robinson had built a successful business and owned multiple properties. That year, he witnessed a protest by Islamic extremists against a homecoming parade for British soldiers in Luton. Outraged by this, he organized counter-demonstrations and founded the English Defence League (EDL) to protest Islamic extremism across the country.

Rise of the EDL and Grooming Gang Activism

The EDL quickly grew into a large protest movement, with thousands attending demonstrations in various cities. Robinson used football fan networks to mobilize supporters. The group's main focuses were opposing Islamic extremism and raising awareness about grooming gangs targeting young girls.

He claims the EDL's activism led to increased arrests related to grooming gangs starting in 2010-2011. He produced documentaries and gave presentations about the issue, trying to draw attention to a problem he felt was being ignored by authorities and media.

Legal Troubles and Imprisonment

As Robinson's profile grew, he faced increasing legal troubles. In 2018, he was arrested and quickly sentenced to 13 months in prison for contempt of court after livestreaming outside a trial of alleged grooming gang members. He claims the rapid sentencing without due process was unlawful.

In prison, he describes being placed in dangerous situations, including being transferred to a prison with a large Muslim population and put in a room with prisoners who attacked him. He spent 12 weeks in solitary confinement, during which he says he faced psychological pressure and threats against his family.

After 11 weeks, Robinson was released following a successful appeal. He believes his imprisonment was meant to break him psychologically. The experience took a significant toll on his mental and physical health.

Media Battles and Deplatforming

Robinson has long battled with mainstream media over their portrayal of him and coverage of issues he raises. He claims journalists have deliberately misrepresented facts and walked out of court proceedings to avoid reporting testimony that supported his claims about grooming gangs.

In response, he has embraced citizen journalism and covert recording to try to expose media bias. He produced a documentary called "Panodrama" that used hidden cameras to record BBC journalists allegedly trying to fabricate sexual allegations against him.

Shortly after releasing this documentary, he was banned from all major social media platforms. He views this as part of a coordinated effort to silence him and control the narrative around issues he raises. He remained deplatformed for five years until Elon Musk restored his Twitter account.

Views on Islam and Immigration

Robinson emphasizes that his activism is not against all Muslims, noting he grew up with Muslim friends. However, he believes mass Islamic immigration and lack of integration have created serious problems in the UK. He argues that Islamic extremism and cultural practices incompatible with British values are not being adequately addressed due to political correctness.

On grooming gangs, Robinson claims the problem is far more widespread than officially acknowledged. He alleges that in some towns, hundreds of men from the Pakistani Muslim community have been involved in exploiting young girls, with authorities reluctant to act due to fears of appearing racist.

Recent Activism and Future Plans

In recent years, Robinson has focused on investigative journalism and documentary production. He continues to face legal challenges, with a potential two-year prison sentence looming for a film he made about grooming gangs.

He believes there has been a shift in public sentiment following events like the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. He sees growing pushback against what he views as the erosion of British culture and identity.

On July 27th, Robinson is organizing a large gathering in London's Trafalgar Square. He describes it as a celebration of British identity that will bring together people from diverse backgrounds who want to protect British culture. Robinson hopes to launch a cultural movement with a positive vision for the country's future.

Reflections on His Activism

Robinson acknowledges he has made mistakes but remains committed to his cause despite the personal costs. He believes the issues he raises are too important to ignore, even if speaking out puts him at risk of imprisonment or violence.

He expresses frustration with what he sees as cowardice from many who are aware of problems but unwilling to take a stand. He argues that running from issues like extremism and cultural tensions will only make them worse in the long run.

While critics have accused Robinson of being far-right or racist, he maintains his activism is open to anyone who loves Britain and wants to protect its values, regardless of their background. He claims his support base has become more mainstream over time.

Challenges and Future Vision

Robinson recognizes the potential dangers of arousing working-class anger without a positive vision to channel it. He is working with other influential figures in the UK to develop a set of principles and goals that can unite people in defense of British culture and identity.

For the July 27th event, he aims to create a celebratory atmosphere with music and art to set the right tone. He wants to demonstrate that ordinary people can come together peacefully to make their voices heard on important issues.

Looking ahead, Robinson hopes to shift public opinion in his favor as he faces potential imprisonment. He believes exposing the details of his case will reveal the weaponization of the judiciary against him and others who challenge prevailing narratives.

Peterson's Perspective

The interviewer, Jordan Peterson, expresses interest in Robinson as a working-class leader capable of mobilizing significant grassroots support. He sees value in this type of leadership but also recognizes the potential dangers if such movements turn vengeful or are co-opted by extremists.

He emphasizes the importance of developing a positive vision for the future rather than just reacting against perceived threats. He suggests that providing an alternative ethos is crucial for countering ideologies like Islamic fundamentalism.

The interview concludes with plans for a follow-up discussion to explore Robinson's ideas for a cultural movement and vision for Britain's future in more depth. Peterson expresses interest in potentially attending the July 27th event to observe firsthand.

Conclusion

The conversation provides insight into the experiences and motivations driving Tommy Robinson's controversial activism. It highlights the complex interplay of issues surrounding immigration, cultural integration, free speech, and political correctness in contemporary Britain.

While Robinson's critics accuse him of inciting hatred, he presents himself as a voice for concerns that have been ignored by mainstream politicians and media. The interview raises questions about the appropriate balance between addressing legitimate grievances and avoiding the inflammation of social tensions.

The discussion also touches on broader themes relevant to many Western democracies, including the rise of populist movements, erosion of trust in institutions, and challenges of maintaining social cohesion in increasingly diverse societies. Robinson's case illustrates the power of social media to amplify alternative voices while also demonstrating how tech platforms can effectively silence individuals deemed too controversial.

Ultimately, the interview presents Tommy Robinson's perspective on his activism without endorsement or condemnation, allowing listeners to form their own judgments about the validity of his claims and methods. It raises important questions about free speech, the role of citizen journalism, and how societies can constructively address sensitive issues around culture and identity.