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To: The Metropolitan Police and the Home Office (Public Letter) 11th May 2026 Re: Concerns about the Tommy Robinson Rally on 16th May 2026 I am writing on behalf of Muslim Women’s Network UK to express serious concerns regarding the proposed Tommy Robinson (Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) “Unite the Kingdom” rally scheduled for 16th May 2026. We are deeply concerned about its potential impact on all minoritised communities.
At Tommy Robinson’s previous London event on 13th September 2025, Elon Musk appeared via video link and made a number of remarks that were widely criticised as inflammatory and potentially capable of inciting violence. One statement reportedly included: “Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die.” This speech was broadcast to a crowd exceeding 100,000 people and was subsequently amplified across social media platforms. The event also resulted in significant violence, including police officers being assaulted and injured.
We are further concerned by reports suggesting the possible remote or digital involvement of international far-right figures such as Valentina Gomez, who was recently denied a UK visa in relation to the rally. Ms Gomez has a well-documented history of inciting hatred against Muslims and other marginalised groups, including publicly burning the Quran and repeatedly using inflammatory and derogatory language targeting Muslims.
We recognise that those attending Tommy Robinson rallies will have differing motivations and political views. However, public authorities must still must assess the foreseeable risks posed by an inevitable proportion of individuals who will use these gatherings to promote anti-Muslim hostility and stir racist / religious hatred, particularly given the organisers and likely speakers involved. There also appears to have been little meaningful effort by the organisers to challenge or prevent extremist or anti-Muslim language and abuse associated with these demonstrations.
Reports of anti-Muslim hatred to the police are already at record levels with around 4000 incidents reported annually. As 80% are not reported, the actual figures are more likely to be in the region of 20,000. These incidents have included mosques being vandalised and targeted in arson attacks, Muslims being verbally and physically abused, and individuals perceived to be Muslim being attacked, including the rape of Sikh women because the perpetrators believed they were Muslim. There have also been incidents involving attempts to run over Muslims with vehicles, alongside increasing levels of anti-social behaviour linked to anti-Muslim hatred. It is therefore unsurprising that many Muslims feel unsafe, intimidated, and deeply alarmed. These rallies risk creating an environment in which extremism, violent incitement, and anti-Muslim hatred is normalised.
Given that the UK terror threat level was recently raised to “severe” and the foreseeable risk that the gathering is likely to contribute to hostility, intimidation, and violence towards Muslims, we are concerned that the police have not exercised their powers to prevent or place further restrictions on the march. Instead, the organisers have been granted access to prominent and symbolically significant locations including Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, and Parliament Square. We therefore ask whether consideration is being given to the cumulative impact of repeated anti-Muslim mobilisation and rhetoric linked to Tommy Robinson events.
We fully recognise and support the importance of freedom of expression and lawful protest within a democratic society. However, these rights must be balanced against the statutory duties placed upon public authorities to: • prevent serious disorder,
• protect community safety,
• reduce the risk of hate crime, and • maintain public confidence among all communities.
In light of the above, we are calling for:
• a transparent risk assessment of public order • a transparent assessment of risks posed by potential speakers and appropriate action, • robust monitoring and enforcement of hate speech and incitement laws, • meaningful engagement with affected communities, and • and clear communication about safeguarding measures in place.
Public confidence depends on all communities believing that threats of hatred, intimidation and violence are treated consistently and seriously.
We look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
S Gohir Baroness Shaista Gohir OBE
Chief Executive Officer
Muslim Women’s Network UK |
