The activist’s attempt to challenge his prison isolation was denied, with concerns over his safety cited as the reason for his segregation.
Tommy Robinson, the far-right activist, has been denied permission to bring a High Court challenge against the Government regarding his solitary confinement in prison. Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is currently serving an 18-month sentence for contempt of court at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes.
On Thursday, Robinson’s legal team argued that his mental health had significantly deteriorated due to his segregation from other inmates since November 2024. His barristers sought to challenge his solitary confinement, claiming it violated his rights.
However, the Ministry of Justice opposed Robinson’s appeal, stating that the isolation was necessary for his safety due to threats made by other prisoners. Lawyers representing the Ministry argued that there were legitimate concerns for Robinson’s life, including intelligence reports suggesting that he could be killed by other inmates if placed with the general prison population.
On Friday, Mr Justice Chamberlain ruled against Robinson’s legal bid, stating that the case was “not arguable”. Robinson, who was jailed in October 2024 after admitting to multiple breaches of a High Court order, is expected to be released in July 2025, halfway through his sentence.
The court heard that Robinson had been moved from HMP Belmarsh to HMP Woodhill after making threats about a potential conflict with Muslim prisoners. His current placement in a “closed wing” at HMP Woodhill is due to ongoing concerns for his safety, with reports indicating that other inmates were plotting to attack him.
Justice Chamberlain confirmed that Robinson’s placement was temporary, with plans to move him to another wing once repairs were completed. However, for now, his solitary confinement remains in place for his protection.
Robinson is also facing upcoming trials related to offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 and allegations of breaching a stalking order.
