"Robinson was hosted by a senior US official Joe Rittenhouse, who said in an X post he was "honored to have free speech warrior" Robinson at the State Department. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said he had the "privilege of an invite" to the State Department and was in the country "making alliances and friendships"."
"Robinson is a prominent political campaigner and has a history of criminal convictions, including for assault and mortgage fraud. In 2024, he was jailed for 18 months after admitting contempt of court by repeating false claims against a Syrian refugee."
"The State Department's 2024 human rights report criticised the UK, saying the human rights situation in the country had worsened. The report said there were credible reports of "serious restrictions on freedom of expression, including enforcement of or threat of criminal or civil laws in order to limit expression"."
Tommy Robinson, a prominent far-right political campaigner with a history of criminal convictions including assault, mortgage fraud, and contempt of court, visited the US State Department in Washington DC. He was hosted by senior US official Joe Rittenhouse and described the visit as making alliances and friendships. The UK government, through Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson, clarified Robinson does not represent the UK. The State Department confirmed the visit occurred in an unofficial capacity. Robinson has received support from high-profile conservative American politicians and billionaire Elon Musk. The visit occurs amid tensions between the Trump administration and UK authorities, with the US State Department's 2024 human rights report criticizing the UK for restricting freedom of expression.
Read at www.bbc.com
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