Tommy Robinson BBC protest sees thousands join ‘corrupt media’ demonstration

Hundreds of Tommy Robinson supporters have been protesting outside the BBC’s Salford studios in response to Panorama’s investigations into him.

Some wore England flags around their shoulders and others had hi-vis waistcoats with "Free Tommy" printed on the back.

The EDL founder addressed the crowd in front of a big screen that had been erected on a car park in Media City as part of his film Panodrama.

Earlier he promised his fans they would "see the truth" when Panodrama was screened.

A video of Robinson declaring himself the "king of the whole Islam race", which had been reported earlier this month, was played on screen after the documentary.

Supporters sang “oh Tommy, Tommy” as Robinson arrived on stage and attacked the media.


He went on to claim that “evidence of a corrupt media is that not one single journalist in Britain has reported on Panodrama”.

During the protests the crowd sang along to the song Sweet Caroline and Canadian musician Kelly Day sang a version of ‘Hallelujah,’ changing the lyrics to "How They Rule Ya.’

She also sang about grooming gangs and the caliphate during her performance.

As Robinson filmed her in a Facebook livestream he declared the song was "beautiful."


As the demonstration came to an end, Robinson, who held a placard which read "BBC Fake News", said: "What a day… I’m going to get drunk."

His supporters had started to gather at around 11am today with the documentary broadcast at 2pm.

About 300m away, anti-fascist demonstrators held a counter-protest.

They held placards with slogans including "Stand up to racism" and "Stop the fascist Tommy Robinson".

One organiser of the Robinson rally told supporters not to cause trouble with anti-fascist protesters and said: "We are not tattooed thugs.


"We’re the British public who want to know the truth."

A number of police officers and vehicles were in the area and temporary metal barriers had been placed around all of the BBC buildings.

Several restaurants were closed.

The Media City branch of Prezzo had a sign on the door which said: "This restaurant is closed for the safety of our customers and staff due to high numbers being expected to the area."

Weyman Bennett, joint national secretary of Unite Against Fascism, said: "Robinson regularly consorts with far-right individuals like Steve Bannon who seek to divide Muslims and Jews, black and white, and often support violence to further their aims.


"Journalism that lifts the lid on Robinson, his funding and his violent racism is welcome.

"We should not allow the fascist Tommy Robinson to be normalised.

"He’s not a journalist or an activist.

"He is a far-right thug who looks to rip up our diverse society and promote dangerous divisions within it. It is important we stand together and defend our democracy against the far right."

In a statement, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said they “roundly condemn Tommy Robinson … and his fellow, far-right thugs who intend to intimidate staff at the corporation, particularly those working on Panorama”.

A spokesperson said: "BBC staff should be free to do their jobs without these threats.

“Intimidation, threats and violence carried out by far-right protesters systematically targeting the media, especially photojournalists, are becoming more frequent and we will always call out this behaviour and report criminal activity to the police.”

The BBC confirmed that Panorama is investigating Robinson.

A spokesperson added: “Any programme we broadcast will adhere to the BBC’s strict editorial guidelines."

Greater Manchester Police confirmed there had not been any arrests at today’s event.

A spokesperson said in a tweet just before 6pm: "The demonstration that took place at Media City today has now concluded, with minimal disruption caused to the local community.

"No arrests have been made in connection with the protest or counter-protest."

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