Prime minister calls Hayling Island activist Daniel Tommo "racist" over migrant protests in Portsmouth
Daniel Tommo is accused of slashing a boat with migrants on
Andy Burnham said it is “hard to conclude” far-right activist Daniel Thomas, known to his supporters as Danny Tommo, is “anything other than someone who has racist views”.
The Prime Minister also criticised the “fear and intimidation” created on Britain’s streets by anti-migration protests in Portsmouth and Dover earlier this month.
Patriot Platform, which was founded by Thomas, were behind the demonstrations which saw men wearing black, including several with face coverings.
Mr Burnham told BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme: “Unacceptable, creating fear and intimidation on British streets.
“This is not something we’ve seen in this country before, and it’s not something we want to see.
“There are real worries about immigration in all parts of the country. To be honest, I heard it at my own by-election in Makerfield on the doorstep, and I told people then on those doorsteps that I would take this issue seriously.”
Asked if he thinks Thomas is racist, Mr Burnham said: “Well, it’s hard to conclude that he’s anything other than someone who has racist views.
“I hesitate always before I, you know, I’ve not read everything that he said, I’ve not followed everything that he’s done.
“So I’m just going to say that because I don’t just throw labels on people. But given everything and the way he’s behaving and what he’s seeking to whip up, I mean this is the worst kind of hateful behaviour.”
Thomas has been accused of slashing a boat in the English Channel with an emergency responder on board.
He pleaded not guilty to criminal damage on Friday when appearing via video link at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.
Thomas also denied failing to disclose the Pin to his phone to police, under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
He was supported by fellow far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, who sat in the court’s public gallery.
A hearing is due to take place in Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday.
On Thursday evening several hundred people, many wearing black, had gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke believing that Thomas was inside.