Tommy Robinson has rejected claims that he is cynically exploiting Christianity for political ends, insisting that his newly professed faith is rooted in personal repentance rather than “Christian nationalism.”
In a wide-ranging interview with Jonathon Van Maren for europeanconservative.com, the anti-Islam British activist reflected on his recent conversion following a five-month prison sentence for contempt of court.
Robinson’s embrace of Christianity has drawn sharp criticism from figures such as Anglican priest Giles Fraser, who accused him in an UnHerd column of weaponising Christian language and symbols.
Robinson, however, framed his faith as the product of self-examination during solitary confinement. “I’ve lived quite a sinful life,” he said, adding that he wants “a brand-new fresh start, to live my life as a good man, which is to live life as a Christian.”
The former English Defence League leader acknowledged the “chaotic” and “embarrassing” behaviour of the group’s early years, while reiterating his long-standing resentment towards the Church of England, which he believes has consistently condemned working-class movements like his own.
“We were the lost sheep,” he said, accusing church leaders of siding against him since 2009.
Robinson described finding guidance through one-to-one Bible study with a prison pastor from the Free Church, which he says transformed his understanding of Christian belief.
While he continues to speak of Christianity’s civilisational importance, Robinson insisted that prison marked a shift from cultural rhetoric to belief:
Until going to prison, I wouldn’t have … said that I wholeheartedly believe.
The full interview can be read here.
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