Gary arrived early for the “unite the kingdom” (UTK) outdoor carol service in Whitehall, hoping to secure a good position. Having witnessed approximately 150,000 people attend a previous UTK rally in September led by Tommy Robinson, the leader of an anti-migrant far-right movement, he anticipated a large crowd.
A Diminished Turnout
However, only around 1,500 people – roughly 1% of the September attendance – came to sing carols in mid-December. Robinson had publicly presented the event as a non-political Christmas celebration, a framing that may have discouraged some of his movement’s more fervent supporters.
While crosses and flags were visible, overt discussion of Robinson’s usual political themes was limited. One attendee complained about her grandchildren being “banned from celebrating Christmas” at school, and a group of women distributed leaflets advocating for “protection from illegal immigration.”
A Complex Response from the Church
The emergence of Robinson, now sporting a beard and a wooden cross, has presented a challenge to churches grappling with the rise of Christian nationalism on the far right. Some church members advocate for a strong rejection of racism and xenophobia, while others caution that a direct response could amplify the far-right message.
Robinson reportedly experienced a religious conversion while incarcerated, with minister Rikki Doolan stating that Robinson “received Jesus Christ as his personal lord and saviour” in prison. Following his release, Robinson asserted that “Christianity” is what “made Britain,” speaking to the far-right Visegrad 24 media platform.
Over the Christmas period, Robinson used X (formerly Twitter) to promote a Christian revival, reposting a tweet claiming a “MASSIVE surge in attendance across all denominations.”
Looking Ahead
The Church of England is scheduled to discuss its response to Christian nationalism in January. According to Nick Spencer, a senior fellow at the Christian thinktank Theos, the church faces a difficult choice: embrace these activists and risk condemnation, or reject them and potentially miss an opportunity for outreach.
Robinson and UTK have announced a “largest demonstration for national unity and strength” planned for May in London, framed as a celebration of “culture, identity and shared destiny” – notably omitting any mention of Christianity. It remains to be seen whether Robinson will continue to emphasize his newfound faith or shift his focus back to his previous political platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the turnout for the UTK carol service in December?
Approximately 1,500 people attended the carol service, representing about 1% of the 150,000 people who attended the UTK rally in September.
What is Christian nationalism?
According to sources within the article, Christian nationalism is a complex phenomenon involving debates about identity, sovereignty, and social cohesion, and is currently unfolding within British politics.
How has Tommy Robinson presented his faith?
Robinson has publicly stated that he was “led to Christ” while in prison and has since emphasized the importance of Christianity to British identity.
How will religious institutions navigate the intersection of faith and political ideologies in the coming months?
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