The far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, widely known as Tommy Robinson, has drawn sharp criticism from Christian communities after leading a Christmas-themed religious gathering in London. The event, branded 'Unite the Kingdom', took place on 13 December and has been condemned as a cynical attempt to exploit faith for divisive political ends.
Church Leaders Issue Robust Rebuttal
Senior figures within the Anglican Church swiftly issued a public response to the gathering, emphasising that 'Christmas is for all'. This statement served as a direct counter to Robinson's narrative, which critics argue seeks to co-opt Christian symbolism to oppose Britain's multifaith society. The Church of England's intervention highlights a significant rift between mainstream Christian values and the far-right activist's interpretation.
One letter to the Guardian, from Dr Ronan Cormacain of Finsbury Park, London, offered a poignant critique from within a practising Catholic community. He questioned the logic of Robinson's stance by highlighting the diverse makeup of his own parish, which includes Nigerian priests, Filipino altar servers, and congregants from Irish, Burmese, Congolese, and Indian backgrounds. He pointedly noted that the Christmas story celebrates the birth of a Jew in Palestine, fundamentally undermining exclusionary rhetoric.
Public and Theological Condemnation
Other correspondents were equally scathing. Les Bright from Exeter described Robinson as 'an evil man' whose newfound Christianity is a shameless tool for building opposition to a diverse society. Bright called for sustained challenge from faith leaders, including the 26 bishops in the House of Lords, Catholic cardinals, and the Chief Rabbi, suggesting this scrutiny should continue through to the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury in 2026.
Theological arguments were also deployed against Robinson's claimed conversion. Geoff Reid from Barnsley referenced the Gospel of Matthew, where John the Baptist demands that Pharisees 'bear fruit worthy of repentance'. This biblical precedent, Reid argued, underscores that genuine faith is demonstrated through actions and good works—a standard Robinson's conduct fails to meet.
The Broader Implications for Society
The controversy extends beyond theological debate, touching on core issues of social cohesion and the weaponisation of identity. Critics accuse Robinson, who is bankrolled by obscenely wealthy backers, of peddling falsehoods that threaten community harmony. The strong response from established religious institutions signals a determination to reclaim the narrative of Christmas and Christianity from far-right appropriation.
The event and the backlash it has provoked underscore a critical cultural moment. As Britain continues to navigate its identity as a multifaith society, the clash between inclusive religious practice and extremist political messaging remains fiercely contested. The defence mounted by figures like Dr Cormacain and the Anglican establishment reaffirms a commitment to a faith defined by welcome, not walls.
