Faith leaders urge to unite against hate after Tommy Robinson’s anti-Islam plan revealed

September 02, 2024
Faith leaders urge to unite against hate after Tommy Robinson’s anti-Islam plan revealed
  • Plan to use Sikhs, Jews and Hindus to turn people against Islam

Religious leaders in the United Kingdom are urging people to "stand in solidarity against hatred" after far-right activist Tommy Robinson attempted to pit diverse religion groups against Muslims.The Chief Rabbi, Archbishop of Canterbury, and leaders of the Hindu Council and Muslim Council of Britain have urged Britons to band together in the face of far-right plans to start a hate campaign against British Muslims.Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, wanted to utilise members from various religious communities in a campaign to discredit Muslims in Britain.

Details of Robinson's conversations were handed to me, indicating the far-right activist's inner strategy for rallying support from the Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, and black communities, as well as mobilising football hooligans. However, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has led religion communities in condemning Robinson's attempts to divide society.

A spokeswoman for the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, added that he was “clear in his condemnation of anti-Muslim hatred.”.

Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, added: “Our organisation, along with every other serious Jewish community group in the UK, has repeatedly made it clear that we want nothing to do with Tommy Robinson and his attempts to fuel bigotry in this country.”

Sir Ephraim and Mr. Rosenberg were joined in a unity among faith communities by Rajnish Kashyap, the secretary general of the Hindu Council.

Mr. Kashyap said, “I don’t think anybody can influence faiths in this country, which are united against such hatred.

“Every community needs to be united. We stand with each other. We work together.”

Zara Mohammed, general secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain, added that news of Robinson’s plans to sow division between her community and other faiths was “a shocking revelation.”.

“It is something we had suspected, but it is disturbing to have those fears confirmed,” said Ms. Mohammed.