Key facts
- Tommy Robinson was detained at Heathrow Airport on Saturday under counter-terrorism laws.
- Police seized his phone under section 3 of the Counter-Terrorism Border Security Act 2019.
- Robinson claimed the detention was an attack on free speech and investigative journalism.
- He was previously cleared of a terror charge for refusing phone access in July 2024.
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was detained by police at Heathrow Airport on Saturday under counter-terrorism laws. The stop occurred after a week in which Robinson gained significant global attention on social media.
Robinson stated on social media that he was detained for nearly three hours and had his iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones seized. He alleged that the detention was an "attack on free speech" and "investigative journalism," and appealed to supporters for donations to fund his legal defense. A spokesperson suggested the authorities aimed to discover his contacts and sources.
The Counter-Terrorism Border Security Act 2019 empowers police at ports to stop, question, search, and detain individuals suspected of planning or preparing hostile acts. The specific reason for Robinson's detention was not disclosed, and the Metropolitan police declined to comment.