Story so far.

On 16 May 2026, a far-right rally organised by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (“Tommy Robinson”) took place in central London. The rally featured openly Islamophobic rhetoric and speeches that left many Muslims across the country fearful and alarmed.

Prior to the event, the Metropolitan Police publicly stated that there would be “zero tolerance” towards hate speech. Despite this, extensive footage and reporting from the rally appeared to show Islamophobic rhetoric and hostility towards Muslims taking place openly in central London.

In response, Friends of Al-Aqsa has written formal public letters to Shabana Mahmood and Mark Rowley raising serious concerns about the handling of the rally and the wider response to Islamophobia.

The campaign is calling on members of the public to write to the Home Secretary and the Metropolitan Police demanding clear answers to the questions posed in the letters and asking what action will now be taken to address Islamophobic hate speech and reassure Muslim communities.

Read the open letters here

https://www.foa.org.uk/assets/resources/download/letter-to-shabana-mahmood-1779264357.pdf

https://www.foa.org.uk/assets/resources/download/letter-to-met-police-1779265308.pdf