Tommy Robinson's anti-Muslim brand uses clothing made in Bangladesh

British far-right figure Tommy Robinson, known for his anti-Muslim activism, has come under renewed criticism after revelations that clothing sold through his online store was produced in Bangladesh - a Muslim-majority country - under low-wage factory conditions.

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has built his image as a self-styled defender of British nationalism. The 42-year-old founder of the now-defunct English Defence League (EDL) has led large anti-immigration rallies and built a business selling branded apparel featuring patriotic symbols such as the Union Jack and St George's Cross.

The garments, promoted to his followers as symbols of "British pride," are sourced from the Belgian company Stanley/Stella, which manufactures its products in Bangladesh. According to the FairWear Foundation, an industry watchdog, workers in these factories earn the equivalent of around 36 pence an hour - a wage critics describe as exploitative, says Daily Mail.

The disclosure has prompted accusations of hypocrisy, given Robinson's long record of anti-Muslim and anti-immigration rhetoric. "He's made a career out of vilifying Muslims while profiting from their labour," said one critic on social media, echoing widespread outrage among anti-racism campaigners.

Robinson has not publicly responded to questions about the origin of his merchandise. His followers were seen wearing the shirts - some of which reportedly carried Arabic-language factory labels - during the "Unite the Kingdom" rally in London earlier this year, described by researchers as Britain's largest hard-right demonstration.

A Unite The Kingdom polo shirt label shows that it was made in Bangladesh, a majority Muslim country. Photo: Chris Matthews

Checkered past

Robinson has a history of legal and financial troubles. He has been convicted of offences including violence and fraud, and several of his companies - among them Hope & Pride Limited and Lennon Consultancy - were dissolved while owing substantial tax debts, reports Metro.

In 2022, he pleaded guilty to breaching a court injunction after raising more than £100,000 in a crowdfunding campaign for a legal battle involving false claims about a Syrian refugee. Prosecutors said much of the money was diverted to a trust fund for his children rather than returned to donors.

Despite repeated scandals, Robinson maintains a loyal following within far-right circles and continues to position himself as a voice for "ordinary Britons" against what he calls "Islamic extremism" and "globalist elites."

The revelations have deepened Robinson's isolation even among some former allies. Earlier this year, Israel's Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli invited him to the country, praising him as "a courageous leader." The invitation was swiftly condemned by the Jewish Leadership Council, which called Robinson "a thug who represents the very worst of Britain."

Campaigners say the Bangladesh connection underscores the contradictions in Robinson's brand of nationalism. "The irony is that his entire business model depends on the same global supply chains he claims to despise," said one anti-extremism researcher.