Who is Danny Tommo – the man who appears to be behind the two protests?published at 11:47 BST
11:47 BST
Daniel Sandford
UK correspondent
Image source, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesImage caption,
Danny Tommo seen addressing the crowd at a rally supporting far-right activist Tommy Robinson – who was facing, and was later convicted of, contempt charges – outside the Old Bailey in 2019
The man who seems to have organised the balaclava protest in Dover and the more spontaneous protest in Portsmouth last night is Danny Thomas, known to his supporters as Danny Tommo.
He is a long-term campaigner against migrants and claims to be a Christian. “Christ is King!” was shouted alongside “Stop the boats!” at the Dover protest.
Danny Tommo first came to public attention in 2016 when he was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to attempting to kidnap at knifepoint a man called Graham Page.
When he came out of prison, he became a close associate of the anti-migrant and anti-Muslim activist known as Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon).
They appear to be less close now, though Tommy Robinson has expressed support for this weekend’s protests.
Using social media, Danny Tommo spent last year filming himself on the beaches of France, harassing migrants.
In July, he announced a new venture called Patriot Platform. He spent the summer at Patriot Platform-themed events drumming up support for what he called “mass resistance” but without violence.
The Dover balaclava protest, well-organised and disciplined, was the group’s first outing. It unlikely to be the last.
He seems to be borrowing ideas from groups like Just Stop Oil. Strong visual protests, with maximum disruption.