In the recent High Court proceedings concerning Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, the Home Office, despite being represented by four lawyers, failed to make a convincing case for his continued incarceration under such restrictive conditions. Robinson, currently serving an 18-month sentence for contempt of court, has been held in segregation at HMP Woodhill due to credible threats against his safety from other inmates.
Robinson’s legal team argued that his prolonged segregation has severely impacted his mental health, exacerbating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and increasing the risk of substance abuse upon release. They contended that the segregation is politically motivated, stemming from his activism, rather than based on genuine safety concerns.
During the hearing, it also emerged that Robinson, while making a legally monitored call to his legal team, was suddenly cut off. This blatant interference in his right to communicate with his lawyers angered the judge, further highlighting the highly censored and restrictive regime Robinson is forced to live under. The fact that he is a civil prisoner, posing no flight risk, makes his treatment even more concerning—particularly when compared to murderers and rapists at the same prison who enjoy far greater privileges.
Governor Marfleet defended the prison’s policies by stating that other prisoners are permitted to visit Robinson. However, the only inmate who has actually requested a visit is a Muslim prisoner—whose request has been denied. This contradiction exposes the inconsistencies in the prison’s approach and raises serious questions about Robinson’s continued segregation.
Marfleet’s team also argued that Robinson is not completely isolated, as he interacts with prison staff. However, this claim was immediately challenged by the judge, who pointed out that prison staff are paid to be there and that such interactions cannot be considered genuine social interaction. This response reinforced concerns that Robinson is being unfairly subjected to near-total isolation.
Despite the Home Office’s claims that these measures are necessary for Robinson’s safety, they have failed to provide compelling evidence to justify such extreme conditions. The reality is simple: Tommy Robinson poses no risk to other prisoners, to prison staff, or to the public at large. The only just and humane solution is to release him on a tag immediately. Anything less is a politically driven abuse of power.
