Moves to block Robinson’s US tour

More than 50 MPS have written to US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo urging him not to permit Tommy Robinson to enter America for a fundraising tour.

The cross-party group voiced “grave concern” at reports that the US authorities might grant Mr Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-lennon - a waiver on his ban on entering the country.

They warned that the English Defence League founder would use any visit to “promote his violent and extremist agenda” and was expected to raise around $1.4 million (£1.1m) through speaking appearances.

Robinson has gained a high profile in the US after he was jailed for 13 months for contempt of court. The sentence was later quashed and the case has been referred to the Attorney General.

Labour MPS make up the bulk of the letter’s 55 signatories, including frontbenchers Valerie Vaz and Gloria de Piero as well as former ministers Vernon Coaker and George Howarth.

They were joined by MPS from other parties, including Conservative Michael Fabricant, Liberal Democrat frontbenchers Tom Brake and Wera Hobhouse, and the SNP’S Martyn Day.