Tommy Robinson peddles ‘racist lies’, activists say before UK protest

Oxford Stand up to Racism Group will march in London in commemoration of Nakba Day, and against the far-right group.

The Nakba march, which is Arabic for “catastrophe,” refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948 around the founding of Israel.

A spokesperson for Oxford Stand up To Racism said: “Oxford Stand Up To Racism will be joining the anti-fascist bloc on the Nakba commemoration march on Saturday.

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“We are marching in opposition to Tommy Robinson’s fascist rally and to defend the right to protest.

“It is a scandal that a fascist has been given permission to hold a mass rally in central London, while the Nakba Day march has been marginalised.

“Robinson’s aim is to platform far-right and fascist speakers to peddle racist lies about Muslims, migrants and refugees to stoke racist division and to build a racist street army.

“We remember the horror that fascism brought in the 1930’s and we say ‘never again’.”

Also known as the ‘memory of the catastrophe’ the day is in remembrance of the Palestinians who were forced from their homes during the establishment of The State of Israel in 1948.

Oxford city centre march (Image: Ed Nix)

The protest, on Saturday, has been organised by the Palestine Coalition and Stand Up To Racism, and is scheduled to start at noon.

It will go from Exhibition Road to Waterloo Place via Brompton Road, Hyde Park Corner, and Piccadilly.

The march coincides with a Tommy Robinson-backed ‘Unite the Kingdom’ protest, which the Prime Minister said is “designed to confront and intimidate this diversity and this diverse country”.

The group is also planning a protest against Oxford Union’s decision to invite far-right activist Tommy Robinson to ‘debate’ on whether the West is right to be suspicious of Islam.

A spokesperson for the group said: “By inviting Robinson the Oxford Union is helping to boost and legitimise Robinson’s racism and fascism.

“This invitation can only give confidence to his supporters to be more active here.

“At a time of rising racist attacks and increased far right and fascist activity in the UK this invitation is dangerous, and negligent of the safety and peace of Oxford’s diverse community.”

Ahead of the protests the government has blocked 11 foreign “far-right agitators” from entering the UK for a Tommy Robinson-led demonstration, including Polish MEP Dominik Tarczynski and anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez.

A massive operation is being planned by the Met as the two protests take place and the FA Cup final take place.

Thousands of officers will take to the streets and armoured vehicles will be deployed along with police horses, dogs, drones and helicopters as the Met aims to avoid clashes.

Live facial recognition will also be used for the first time at a protest.