Tommy Robinson Speaks Out After Harrowing Experience in Solitary Confinement

Former activist and controversial figure Tommy Robinson has revealed the severe mental and physical toll his extended time in solitary confinement has taken on him during his incarceration in a Category B prison in Milton Keynes.

In a candid statement, Robinson described the experience as a brutal ordeal that pushed him to the brink. “I didn’t know if I’d make it out of jail. Mentally right, broken, dead. Who knew?”, he said, highlighting the harsh reality of his imprisonment. Robinson contrasted his situation with that of other inmates, noting his belief that individuals like Axel Rudakubana and Michael Adebolajo were never placed in solitary confinement, despite their serious offenses.

He detailed the stark disparities within the prison system, explaining that the separation unit he was placed in was originally designed for jihadist prisoners and featured amenities such as wardrobes, full kitchens including air fryers and toasters, a pool table, and more. However, Robinson was denied access to these facilities, deepening his isolation.

Robinson recounted chilling accounts from inside the prison yard, including the beheading of a Ukrainian inmate and the ongoing tensions between staff and Muslim prisoners. “If the staff upset in any way the Muslim brothers, then they just put a hit on that member of staff”, he warned.

Since beginning his activism in 2009, Robinson claims he has faced prosecution continuously, asserting that those concerned about the future of Britain are often marginalised. “We’re the mainstream,” he stated, referencing a perceived cultural and political conflict within the country. Robinson criticised the Labour Party and government policies regarding immigration and social benefits, underscoring his belief that the UK is no longer a safe place for him and those who share his views.

Despite the gravity of Robinson’s experience, some media coverage has appeared to downplay or misunderstand the impact of his solitary confinement. The Spectator, a prominent news platform, remarked that Robinson, “looked more like a man who had been marooned on a desert island, or lost in the mountains, than someone who had spent a few months in a Category B prison in Milton Keynes”. Many observers view this comparison as dismissive of the serious mental health consequences of prolonged solitary confinement.

Mental health experts widely acknowledge that long-term solitary confinement can cause significant psychological damage, including depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and increased risk of suicide. Robinson’s revelations have sparked renewed debate about prison conditions and the treatment of high-profile prisoners, particularly those involved in politically sensitive cases.

As Robinson continues to speak out against what he perceives as injustices within the UK's legal and penal systems, his statements are likely to fuel ongoing discussion about freedom of speech, immigration, and the balance between security and human rights in British society.