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Tommy Robinson: ‘You didn’t expose abuse’

When Tommy Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - the former leader of far-right group the EDL, was jailed for contempt of court, a petition for his release attracted more than half a million signatures.

No longer involved with the English Defence League, he has gathered support after campaigning against what he calls "Muslim grooming gangs," following now concluded court cases around England.

He has also campaigned in Italy, Germany and other European countries where anti Islam parties have made electoral gains.

This phenomenon has not been seen here in the UK but Tommy Robinson appears to be gaining some apparently more mainstream political backing.

The leader of UKIP has said he would like him to join his party.

So, is Robinson tapping into anti-Muslim sentiment, or simply fermenting it - and what are the roots of his support? This report by Gabriel Gatehouse contains strong language and comments some might find offensive.

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12 minutes