Tommy Robinson detained at Heathrow under counterterrorism

Far-right activist Tommy Robinson was detained and questioned by police at London's Heathrow Airport on Saturday, June 13, under counterterrorism legislation. Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, said he was held for approximately three hours and had his mobile phone seized by officers acting under powers granted by the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019.

Following his release, Robinson posted on social media that he was "detained as a terrorist again" and shared a link to a legal fundraising appeal, writing, "So here we go again, looks like more defence and court fees." A spokesperson managing his social media account characterized the detention as "an attack on free speech and an attack on investigative journalism," suggesting authorities wanted to identify his contacts and sources.

The Metropolitan Police declined to comment on the specific circumstances of the incident. The legislation in question allows officers at ports and borders to stop, question, and search individuals to determine if they are involved in terrorism or hostile state activity, without requiring a prior arrest.

The reported detention occurs amid a period of heightened activity...