Salvini meets British far right activist Tommy Robinson, opposition voices alarm Italy's deputy prime minister and infrastructure minister Matteo Salvini has received British far right activist Tommy Robinson in Rome, triggering strong reactions from opposition and civil society groups. The meeting took place at the ministry of infrastructure and transport and was publicised through photographs shared online. Robinson described the encounter as “an honour”, praising Salvini for his positions on immigration and national sovereignty. The episode was first reported by Il Sole 24 Ore and immediately sparked controversy. Opposition parties accused Salvini of offering institutional legitimacy to an extremist figure, arguing that hosting Robinson in a government building runs counter to Italy’s constitutional values. Several centre-left politicians described the meeting as politically irresponsible, while anti racism organisations warned against normalising transnational far right networks. Who is Tommy Robinson Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, is one of the most recognisable figures of the British far right. He rose to prominence in the late 2000s as the founder and former leader of the English Defence League, a movement known for its anti Muslim rhetoric and street demonstrations. Robinson has a long history of legal troubles in the United Kingdom, including convictions for assault, mortgage fraud and contempt of court. In recent years he has remained active through social media and public rallies, often presenting himself as a free speech campaigner while promoting narratives widely criticised by British authorities and civil society groups as Islamophobic and inflammatory. UK institutions, including courts and watchdog organisations, have repeatedly sanctioned Robinson for breaching legal restrictions, particularly in relation to court reporting and public order. Major British political parties and mainstream media outlets treat him as an extremist figure rather than a conventional political actor. Political fallout in Italy Critics of Salvini argue that the meeting reinforces the perception of ideological proximity between parts of the European far right and figures operating outside democratic frameworks. Some opposition leaders have called on prime minister Giorgia Meloni to clarify whether the encounter reflects the government’s official stance. Salvini has not issued a detailed explanation of the meeting, but allies point out that dialogue with international figures critical of immigration policies is consistent with his long standing political positions.

  Italy's deputy prime minister and infrastructure minister Matteo Salvini has received British far right activist Tommy Robinson in Rome, triggering strong reactions from opposition and civil society groups. The meeting took place at the ministry of infrastructure and transport and was publicised through photographs shared online. Robinson described the encounter as “an honour”, praising Salvini for his positions on immigration and national sovereignty. The episode was first reported by Il Sole 24 Ore and immediately sparked controversy. Opposition parties accused Salvini of offering institutional legitimacy to an extremist figure, arguing that hosting Robinson in a government building runs counter to Italy’s constitutional values. Several centre-left politicians described the meeting as politically irresponsible, while anti racism organisations warned against normalising transnational far right networks. Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon, is one of the most recognisable figures of the British far right. He rose to prominence in the late 2000s as the founder and former leader of the English Defence League, a movement known for its anti Muslim rhetoric and street demonstrations. Robinson has a long history of legal troubles in the United Kingdom, including convictions for assault, mortgage fraud and contempt of court. In recent years he has remained active through social media and public rallies, often presenting himself as a free speech campaigner while promoting narratives widely criticised by British authorities and civil society groups as Islamophobic and inflammatory. UK institutions, including courts and watchdog organisations, have repeatedly sanctioned Robinson for breaching legal restrictions, particularly in relation to court reporting and public order. Major British political parties and mainstream media outlets treat him as an extremist figure rather than a conventional political actor. Critics of Salvini argue that the meeting reinforces the perception of ideological proximity between parts of the European far right and figures operating outside democratic frameworks. Some opposition leaders have called on prime minister Giorgia Meloni to clarify whether the encounter reflects the government’s official stance. Salvini has not issued a detailed explanation of the meeting, but allies point out that dialogue with international figures critical of immigration policies is consistent with his long standing political positions.