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Tommy Robinson protests at BBC HQ over Panorama film Tommy Robinson protests at BBC HQ over Panorama documentary
(32 minutes later)
Protesters gathered in early afternoon on Saturday at the BBC’s Salford headquarters for a demonstration organised by Tommy Robinson, to broadcast his film Panodrama. Protesters gathered on Saturday at the BBC’s Salford headquarters for a demonstration organised by Tommy Robinson, to broadcast his film Panodrama.
The former leader of the English Defence League, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was protesting against BBC Panorama’s investigations into him.The former leader of the English Defence League, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was protesting against BBC Panorama’s investigations into him.
Momentum had organised a counter-protest nearby, with anti-fascists holding placards with slogans including “stand up to racism” and “stop the fascist Tommy Robinson”. Momentum, Stand Up To Racism and Unite Against Fascism had organised a counter-protest nearby, with anti-fascists holding placards with slogans including “stand up to racism” and “stop the fascist Tommy Robinson”.
“People of various backgrounds, age, gender and race assembled to share a message of hope, unity and community,” said Navendu Mishra, a Labour and Unite the union activist.” We will not allow anyone to divide us, as our nation faces new challenges globally and at home.”
A number of police officers and vehicles were in the area and temporary metal barriers had been placed around the BBC buildings.A number of police officers and vehicles were in the area and temporary metal barriers had been placed around the BBC buildings.
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”.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”.
Robinson, currently advising Ukip, had obtained material filmed covertly which appeared to show Panorama reporter John Sweeney spending £220 on a lunch bill that included an array of alcoholic drinks, commenting he would put it on expenses. The Ukip leader, Gerard Batten, was one of several that spoke before Robinson aired his film. “He speaks up for things that are right, he tells the truth and he can mobilise lots of people like you, and that’s what they fear,” he told demonstrators.
In one sequence, Sweeney was heard saying white, working-class male guests on BBC Two’s Newsnight were as rare as “cannibals” from the Amazon.
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”.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”.
“BBC staff should be free to do their jobs without these threats,” the NUJ spokesperson said.“BBC staff should be free to do their jobs without these threats,” the NUJ spokesperson said.
“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.”“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. “Any programme we broadcast will adhere to the BBC’s strict editorial guidelines,” a spokesman said.The BBC confirmed that Panorama is investigating Robinson. “Any programme we broadcast will adhere to the BBC’s strict editorial guidelines,” a spokesman said.
Tommy RobinsonTommy Robinson
The far rightThe far right
BBCBBC
English Defence LeagueEnglish Defence League
UK Independence party (Ukip)UK Independence party (Ukip)
National Union of JournalistsNational Union of Journalists
MomentumMomentum
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