Tommy Robinson 'Unite the Kingdom' march
The "Unite the Kingdom" march led by Tommy Robinson in London is strongly indicative of more profound and more systemic undercurrents within UK society, a growing sense of alienation and public anxiety among specific segments of the population, which my colleague Matthew Goodwin will identify as "white working class". Robinson's ability to galvanise significant support does not merely rely on charisma or ideological agreement but taps into broader social sentiments and unresolved communal grievances.
There is a clear involvement of groups that I monitor, such as Britain First, remnants of the English Defence League (EDL), Advance UK, and informal football hooligan networks and this presence reveals Robinson's tactical savvy in mobilising diverse yet interconnected networks. We need to acknowledge this ability; Robinson is not only a thug but also has undoubtedly a brain. These groups give Robinson the necessary grassroots infrastructure, organisational capacity, and symbolic gravitas. For instance, Britain
First's strategic flag campaigns are not just visual; they exploit emotionally charged symbolism, reinforcing collective identity and struggles enhancing and cultural solidarity among the target audience. This is not theory be careful is practical and powerful ; symbols are powerful unconsciously containing of meaning on which the brain afterwards follow through with actions. This symbolic activism resonates strongly with identity erosion, which a specific part of UK society is experiencing; very dangerous. Robinson's continued relevance is intrinsically tied to his historic roots in movements such as the EDL, which, despite its formal dissolution, provides a durable informal network.
People like Guramit Singh and Andrew Currien which side Robinson signpost a a strategy based on continuity—they have credibility among far-right sympathisers; ensure effective mobilisation channels. Robinson's narrative of patriotism, free speech, and perceived injustice cleverly activates Emotions, which are the key. Robinson cleverly explains complex issues in emotional and morally simple terms—the battle "good" and "evil. All his strategy is based on emotional intensity rather than rationality. His narrative provides a profound sense of validation and purpose. This overrides critical thinking and rational scepticism, encouraging "actions"…….
Advance UK's overt alignment with Robinson, expressed clearly by Jim Ferguson as "the UK MAGA," underlines an explicit transatlantic ideological exchange. This connection is akin to what is happening behind the scene to far more dangerous far right cells – the construction of a cohesive international -in Robinson case- populist discourse that goes beyond nations, including anti-globalists, anti-immigration sentiments, and projecting them onto the local UK context.
Football hooligan firms and the "Football Lads" link are important because, in line with the audience to which these messages are directed, subcultures are based on intense group solidarity, masculinity, and territoriality. Robinson knows this and appreciates their historical predisposition toward aggressive street activism. Yes, he cleverly and strategically calls for non-violent behaviours to control this unpredictable support base, trying to strike a balance between so much-needed visibility and some discipline and keep plausible deniability regarding potential disorder.
Is there a risk for violence; yes, of course; the question is instead not creating Robinson and his followers as martyrs as they can capitalise
on martyr symbolism by framing himself as unfairly targeted or silenced, amplifying supporters' emotions; make the messages stronger and risking violence not only at this event more worryingly beyond lets remember that Kirk dead "demand" revenge.
The "Urban Scoop" platform should make us to reflect the sophistication of Robinson use of media. Very curated content that reinforce cognitive bias of supporters and the audience targeted by Robinson all based on distrust against traditional media aiming also to reinforce group cohesion.
Robinson also use very skillfully AI (on which I am working in tow of my research projects). The perfect tool to produce emotional propaganda, fabricate martyrs, and flood timelines with persuasive fakes that collapse trust in journalism. Synthetic images and videos weaponise nostalgia and fear, deepen in-group identity, and accelerate mobilisation. Combined with doxxing and dehumanising narratives, AI can catalyse harassment, vigilantism, and copycat violence offline and online.
Challenging times are ahead and lets not forget Farage; with Robinson I have nothing in common -perhaps we both practice boxing- but I do not consider him only a thug and must not be undervalued……..