Far-Right Marches Intimidatory and Should Be Banned, Says Angela 2026

Far-right marches led by the self-styled “Danny Tommo” should not be treated like normal protests, according to Angela Rayner, the communities secretary, who described them as intimidatory and called for them to be banned. Rayner’s intervention comes after weeks of demonstrations that have blocked roads and transport hubs across the UK.

Rayner: Far-Right Marches Are Intimidation, Not Protest

Rayner said the behaviour of some masked marchers – who have blocked roads and transport hubs – was not an acceptable form of protest. “When you see hundreds of predominantly men in black wearing black face masks shouting, going down the street, that is intimidating,” she said. “Whether you agree with the message or not, it’s intimidating.”

She added: “It is not a protest. I’ve been on many protests myself when I was in my union days. We have music, we have banners, but we don’t wear balaclavas and shout divisive rhetoric down the street. There’s a line, and I think organising to disrupt and cordon off areas to stop people going through public highways, this is all behaviour that is intimidatory and is not acceptable.”

The Rise of Patriot Platform and Danny Tommo

Daniel Thomas, the instigator of the marches over the past month, was arrested and charged last week after allegedly using a blade to slash an inflatable dinghy in the Channel while a rescue worker was onboard. Thomas has recently brought dozens of nationalist protest groups together under the umbrella name of Patriot Platform. Masked and hooded anti-migrant activists from the movement have convened in several cities, leading to confrontations with police and counter-protesters.

Key Takeaways

• Angela Rayner says far-right marches are intimidatory and should not be permitted.
• Daniel Thomas, known as “Danny Tommo”, faces charges after an incident in the Channel.
• Patriot Platform unites multiple nationalist groups under one banner.
• Rayner distinguishes between traditional protests and masked, disruptive marches.
• The debate raises questions about the limits of protest rights in the UK.

Comparing Protest Styles: Traditional vs. Far-Right Marches

The table below contrasts the characteristics of traditional protests, as described by Rayner, with the far-right marches that have taken place recently.

Legal and Social Implications

Rayner’s comments raise important questions about how the UK balances the right to protest with public order. Under current legislation, police have powers to impose conditions on protests if they believe they may cause serious disruption or intimidation. However, banning a march outright requires evidence that it poses a significant risk.

Critics argue that banning far-right marches could set a precedent for suppressing unpopular views. Supporters of Rayner’s stance contend that the masked, aggressive nature of these marches crosses a line into intimidation, which is not protected by the right to protest.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of personal safety gadgets street, how choose surveillance camera home, alarms security systems small businesses, pet monitoring system types how choose it, and security systems on market by. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of motion sensors complete guide, guide choosing security alarm, alarm subscription or without fees discover one pocket, ultimate comparison which night vision surveillance camera records dark, and surveillance cameras wifi outdoors. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.