Tommy Robinson Detained at Heathrow Under Counter-Terrorism Powers After Northern Ireland Riots

London: British anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said he was detained at London’s Heathrow Airport on Saturday and had his phone seized following a week of online commentary about violent unrest in Northern Ireland.

In a post on X, Robinson said he was held for around three hours under the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act after returning to the United Kingdom via Turkey from Russia.

His detention came after he posted extensively online about riots in Belfast that erupted following the circulation of a video showing a stabbing attack in which a man lost an eye. Authorities have charged a Sudanese man with attempted murder in connection with the incident, though police have stated the case is not being treated as terrorism.

In the days following the attack, several incidents of unrest were reported in parts of Northern Ireland, with rioters targeting homes and businesses linked to ethnic minorities and foreign residents. Northern Ireland officials described the violence as racist in nature, while local politicians have accused far-right online actors of amplifying or encouraging the disorder.

Without naming Robinson directly, police confirmed that a man in his 40s had been stopped at Heathrow Airport upon his return to the UK. Officers said the action was taken under counter-terrorism and border security legislation.

Robinson has been a controversial figure in UK politics and activism for years, frequently drawing scrutiny over his public statements and involvement in far-right campaigns. Authorities have not confirmed any charges related to his detention.