Tommy Robinson admits false claim as Glasgow man fears for his safety

Quoroum Beg

Tommy Robinson has admitted he "got it wrong" after falsely accusing a Glasgow man of filming children in a park, but the correction has done little to ease fears over the real-world consequences of misinformation spreading online. The incident has reignited concerns over inflammatory social media posts, rising anti-immigration tensions and the safety of those caught in the crossfire.

False Accusation Sparks Fallout

Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, shared footage of Quoroum Beg on X, branding the UK-born father an "invader" and suggesting he had been filming children. The video reached Robinson's two million followers before he later deleted the post and admitted: "In this instance I got it wrong, as did many others."

Beg said the statement fell well short of an apology, questioning whether Robinson was acknowledging the damage caused or simply correcting the facts. He now fears for his safety and has been given an emergency police contact number.

Family Forced to Flee Protest

Beg had been in Glasgow's Gorbals with his three children when an anti-immigration demonstration entered the area. As crowds carrying banners gathered, families began leaving the park amid growing tension.

After taking his children home, Beg returned to collect his car and filmed the protest before moving away on police advice. Demonstrators then recorded him, accusing him of filming children and calling him a "nonce" before the footage spread online.

Online Misinformation Meets Street Tensions

Beg said the false allegation had damaged his reputation worldwide and left him fearful of becoming a target. He said the current political climate meant he no longer felt safe allowing his children to enjoy their summer holidays outdoors.

The case comes as Glasgow has experienced a series of anti-immigration demonstrations, including incidents fuelled by false claims circulating online. Police have already linked one attack on a house to mistaken identity after misinformation spread across social media.

Scotland Faces Growing Extremist Challenge

Researchers say Scotland's far-right movement is becoming increasingly organised, combining local grievances with highly active online networks. Politics lecturer Dr Judith Sijsterman said some activists now travel across the country to demonstrations while coordinating campaigns through multiple online groups, helping amplify tensions far beyond individual protests.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy060e1r468o