Says it's got 'too extreme' and believes he can fight Islamic extremism in a more democratic way. Jumped before pushed?
Unless I've got my wires crossed. There's a million conflicting reports. Apologies, if it's me that's wrong.
Press release tweeted by @EDLTrobinson http://www.quilliamfoundation.org/ QUILLIAM FACILITATES TOMMY ROBINSON LEAVING THE ENGLISH DEFENCE LEAGUE POSTED IN: 2013, PRESS RELEASES | OCTOBER 8, 2013 AT 08:47 Quilliam is proud to announce that Tommy Robinson and Kevin Carroll, the leaders of the anti-Islamist group, the English Defence League (EDL), have decided to leave the group. Having set up the EDL, infamous for its street protests, in 2009, they wish to exit this group, because they feel they can no longer keep extremist elements at bay. Tommy Robinson said: “I have been considering this move for a long time because I recognise that, though street demonstrations have brought us to this point, they are no longer productive. I acknowledge the dangers of far-right extremism and the ongoing need to counter Islamist ideology not with violence but with better, democratic ideas.” Quilliam has been working with Tommy to achieve this transition, which represents a huge success for community relations in the United Kingdom. We have previously identified the symbiotic relationship between far-right extremism and Islamism and think that this event can dismantle the underpinnings of one phenomenon while removing the need for the other phenomenon. We hope to help Tommy invest his energy and commitment in countering extremism of all kinds, supporting the efforts to bring along his former followers and encouraging his critique of Islamism as well as his concern with far-right extremism. We call all of Tommy’s former colleagues in the EDL to follow in his footsteps and also call on Islamist extremist leaders to follow this example and leave their respective groups. Tommy and Kevin believe the voice they have created can be channelled in a positive direction. Quilliam stands ready to facilitate such moves across the spectrum. Quilliam Chairman and Co-Founder Maajid Nawaz said: “As well as being a very positive change for the United Kingdom, this is a very proud moment for Quilliam. This represents not a change but a continuation for us, as challenging extremism of all kinds forms the basis of our work. We have been able to show that Britain stands together against extremism regardless of political views and hope to continue supporting Tommy and Kevin in their journey to counter Islamism and neo-Nazi extremism.” We are hosting a press conference for Tommy Robinson and Kevin Carroll’s departure from the EDL at an undisclosed location in London today, 8 October 2013 at 6:30pm and will field all questions then. Entrance will be strictly conditional on the presentation of press passes; please contact media@quilliamfoundation.org or call 020 7182 7275 or 020 7182 7278 if you would like to attend and more details will be provided but please do not RSVP if you are not press.
Yup, it's me that's wrong. I'll stick to talking about conkers and leave the political discussions to those that have a clue what they're on about. Sorry mate.
What gets me is why are people happy to keep calling him Tommy Robinson when his name is Steven Yaxley-Lennon? Why is everybody from the man on the street to the media right through to politicians and the prime minister perfectly happy to keep using the Tommy Robinson name when all it is is an idiot trying to make a football hooligan more famous?
I'm happy to use that name because that's what I thought his name was and I had no idea it wasn't his real name.
I thought that might be the case with most members of the public but the media and politicians must surely know his real name. 'Tommy Robinson' is a football hooligan who he idolises and wants to make famous. A bit pathetic really
he's a lovely person of the highest order. not good a good word to say about him. hopefully he'll disappear into anonymity
The interview on Newsnight actually seemed quite reasonable, has a leopard really changed it's spots? Somehow I doubt it. ..get ready for the launch of a new right wing political party
