Andy Burnham has accused anti-asylum activist Daniel Thomas of the “worst kind of hateful behaviour”.
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Known to his followers as ‘Danny Tommo’, he leads the Patriot Platform group which organised hundreds of balaclava-clad supporters earlier this month in Dover and Portsmouth.
Mr Burnham said the scenes in recent weeks of masked men dressed in black were “unacceptable” and “creating fear and intimidation on British streets”.
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He added: “This is not something we’ve seen in this country before. It’s not something we want to see. There are real worries about immigration in all parts of the country.”
“To be honest, I heard it at my own by-election in Makerfield on the doorstep, and I told people then on those doorsteps that I would take this issue seriously.”
Asked if he thinks Thomas is racist, Mr Burnham told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “Well, it’s hard to conclude that he’s anything other than someone who has racist views.
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“I hesitate always before I, you know, I’ve not read everything that he said, I’ve not followed everything that he’s done. So I’m just going to say that because I don’t just throw labels on people.
“But given everything and the way he’s behaving and what he’s seeking to whip up, I mean this is the worst kind of hateful behaviour.”
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Thomas has been accused of slashing a boat in the English Channel with an emergency responder on board. He pleaded not guilty to criminal damage on Friday when appearing via video link at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court.
Thomas also denied failing to disclose the Pin to his phone to police, under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
He was supported by fellow far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, who sat in the court’s public gallery. A hearing is due to take place in Portsmouth Crown Court on Tuesday.
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On Thursday evening several hundred people, many wearing black, had gathered outside a police investigation centre in Basingstoke believing that Thomas was inside.
Andy Burnham Accuses Danny Tommo of ‘Worst Kind of Hateful Behaviour’ as Tensions Over Immigration Escalate
Andy Burnham has launched a strong criticism of anti-asylum activist Daniel Thomas, widely known as Danny Tommo, accusing him of engaging in what the Prime Minister described as the “worst kind of hateful behaviour”.
Burnham’s comments followed a series of controversial anti-immigration demonstrations in southern England, where groups of men dressed in black and wearing balaclavas gathered to protest against the arrival of asylum seekers. The demonstrations have raised concerns about intimidation, public safety and the growing hostility surrounding Britain’s immigration debate.
Speaking during an interview with the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Burnham condemned the scenes on British streets and said that, while public concerns about immigration needed to be taken seriously, attempts to generate fear within communities were unacceptable.
The Prime Minister’s remarks place renewed attention on the activities of Thomas and his Patriot Platform movement, as well as the wider political debate over how Britain should respond to irregular migration across the English Channel.
Burnham condemns masked anti-migrant demonstrations
Burnham expressed concern about the appearance of groups of masked demonstrators in towns including Dover, Portsmouth, Gosport and Basingstoke.
He argued that people gathering with their faces covered and wearing coordinated black clothing could create an atmosphere of intimidation, particularly for migrants, local residents and people working in services that assist those arriving in Britain.
The Prime Minister described the scenes as unacceptable and said that such behaviour was not something the country should want to see on its streets.
His comments were directed not simply at opposition to immigration itself, but at the manner in which some demonstrations had been organised and conducted.
Britain has a long history of public protest, and opposition to government policy is a legitimate part of democratic debate. People can campaign for stricter border controls, changes to asylum rules or faster deportations without necessarily engaging in unlawful conduct.
However, demonstrations can become more troubling when participants attempt to frighten others, obstruct emergency services or interfere with the safe handling of people arriving in dangerous circumstances.
Burnham sought to draw a distinction between acknowledging public frustration and allowing that frustration to be channelled into intimidation.
He also recognised that immigration was a genuine concern for people in different parts of the country. His position was that the government had a responsibility to address those concerns through policy while resisting behaviour that could leave communities feeling threatened.
Why Danny Tommo has become a focus of criticism
Daniel Thomas, known to supporters as Danny Tommo, leads the Patriot Platform group, which has organised anti-immigration demonstrations and attracted attention through its confrontational style.
The movement presents itself as a campaign for stronger action against irregular migration. Its activities have included protests around coastal towns where asylum seekers have arrived after crossing the Channel in small boats.
Thomas has become a controversial figure because of the organisation and presentation of these demonstrations, particularly the participation of large groups of men wearing dark clothing and face coverings.
During the BBC interview, Burnham was asked whether he considered Thomas to hold racist views.
The Prime Minister responded cautiously, acknowledging that he had not read everything Thomas had said or followed every aspect of his activities. He nevertheless said that, considering Thomas’s behaviour and what he appeared to be encouraging, it was difficult to reach a different conclusion.
Burnham then described the conduct as the “worst kind of hateful behaviour”.
His qualification was significant. Rather than claiming comprehensive knowledge of every statement made by Thomas, he explained the basis on which he was expressing his criticism.
The dispute illustrates a broader challenge in British politics: how to discuss immigration firmly without encouraging hostility towards people because of their nationality, ethnicity or perceived background.
Thomas and his supporters have presented their campaign as opposition to government immigration policy. Critics argue that the movement’s rhetoric and demonstrations risk going beyond policy protest and creating an environment in which migrants and minority communities feel targeted.
The distinction between political advocacy and intimidation is likely to remain central to the debate.
The controversy surrounding a damaged boat
The criticism of Thomas has also coincided with legal proceedings connected to an incident involving a small boat in the English Channel.
Thomas was accused of slashing a boat while an emergency responder was aboard. He appeared before Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court by video link and pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal damage.
He also denied an allegation that he had failed to disclose his phone PIN to police under Section 53 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.
These are allegations that must be considered through the legal process. A charge is not proof of guilt, and Thomas’s not-guilty pleas mean the accusations should not be presented as established criminal conduct.
The incident nevertheless raised questions about the risks associated with attempts by activists to intervene directly in Channel migration operations.
Small boats used for crossings can be unstable and dangerous. Any interference with a vessel or the work of an emergency responder could create additional risks for people already facing potentially life-threatening circumstances.
The Channel is also an area where rescue operations can require rapid decisions. The safety of those in the water, emergency personnel and other vessels must remain a priority.
For the government, the wider concern is how to maintain lawful protest while ensuring that individuals do not endanger others or obstruct legitimate rescue operations.
The legal case involving Thomas must be assessed independently of the political arguments surrounding his movement.
Immigration remains a difficult political issue
Burnham’s condemnation of the demonstrations did not mean he dismissed public concerns about immigration.
He acknowledged that people across Britain had raised questions about border security, the arrival of small boats and the use of accommodation for asylum seekers.
These concerns can involve several different issues. Some people are worried about whether the immigration system is being effectively managed. Others question the costs of asylum accommodation or the time taken to process applications. Local residents may also have concerns about the impact of accommodation arrangements on public services and community relations.
The government must respond to these questions with clear information and credible policies.
At the same time, immigration is a complicated issue involving international law, border enforcement, asylum procedures, diplomacy and the activities of criminal smuggling networks.
People who arrive irregularly are not all in the same circumstances. Some may qualify for international protection, while others may not meet the legal requirements for asylum and could eventually be required to leave the country.
Determining those cases requires an effective system capable of assessing applications fairly and making decisions without unnecessary delays.
Burnham has argued that public confidence depends on addressing the practical problems while resisting attempts to turn immigration into a source of fear and hostility.
His position reflects a political balancing act: the government must demonstrate control over the system while protecting the rights and safety of individuals.
The role of the Patriot Platform movement
The Patriot Platform has emerged amid wider public debate about immigration and the growth of protest movements seeking more restrictive border policies.
Such movements can attract supporters who feel that established political parties have failed to respond adequately to their concerns. Social media can help organisers publicise demonstrations, circulate footage and build networks across different towns.
However, the way demonstrations are organised can influence how they are perceived by the wider public.
A peaceful gathering focused on a specific policy demand is different from an event where participants attempt to intimidate people or interfere with emergency operations. The use of face coverings, confrontational slogans and coordinated groups can intensify those concerns, although clothing alone does not establish that an individual has committed an offence.
Authorities must assess the conduct of individuals rather than assume that every person at a demonstration has behaved unlawfully.
Likewise, political leaders must take care when describing groups or individuals. Strong criticism can be justified when based on identifiable behaviour, but public statements should distinguish between established facts, allegations and political interpretation.
Burnham’s remarks have increased scrutiny of Thomas’s movement and its methods. Whether that scrutiny results in changes to public order arrangements or further political debate will depend on subsequent events and any findings emerging from the relevant legal processes.
The wider impact on local communities
The demonstrations have taken place in communities already dealing with the practical consequences of the asylum system.
Coastal towns can find themselves at the centre of national immigration debates because small-boat arrivals are often processed near the places where people come ashore.
Local residents may have questions about transport, accommodation, policing and the use of public funds. People working in public services may also face additional pressure when national political disputes become concentrated in their communities.
At the same time, migrants and asylum seekers can become the targets of hostility despite having little control over the circumstances in which they arrive or the decisions made by the authorities.
The presence of large, confrontational demonstrations can affect the atmosphere in a town, particularly when residents encounter groups of masked people or see threatening language circulating online.
Businesses and public services may also have to consider how to maintain normal operations during protests.
Local authorities and police face the challenge of protecting the right to peaceful assembly while preventing disorder, harassment and obstruction. Their response must be proportionate, lawful and based on the circumstances of each event.
Burnham’s comments have therefore raised questions extending beyond Thomas personally. They concern how Britain manages disagreements over immigration without allowing those disagreements to undermine public safety or relations between communities.
The government faces pressure to demonstrate results
Condemning intimidation is only one part of the government’s response to immigration.
Burnham must also demonstrate that his administration can make the asylum system more efficient, address irregular crossings and provide accurate information about the progress of government measures.
If asylum applications take too long to resolve, accommodation costs remain high or enforcement decisions are not implemented effectively, public frustration may continue.
Improving the system requires adequate administrative capacity, reliable decision-making and cooperation with other countries. It also requires attention to the conditions that allow people-smuggling networks to operate.
At the same time, government policy must comply with the law and ensure that asylum claims are assessed according to the applicable rules.
A sustainable approach will need to distinguish between legitimate criticism of policy and conduct that threatens or harasses individuals.
For Burnham, the challenge is to show that the government can respond firmly to public concerns without allowing political pressure to weaken standards of fairness and public safety.
His comments about Thomas are part of that wider argument, but the government’s credibility will ultimately depend on its actions and results.
A debate that is unlikely to disappear
The confrontation between Burnham and Danny Tommo highlights the intensity of Britain’s immigration debate in 2026.
The Prime Minister has condemned the atmosphere created by masked anti-migrant demonstrations, while acknowledging that concerns about immigration must be addressed. Thomas and his supporters have continued to attract attention through their campaign against irregular migration, and the legal allegations involving Thomas remain matters for the courts.
The competing issues should not be confused. Public opposition to immigration policy is not automatically hateful, and an allegation of criminal conduct does not establish guilt. Equally, describing a demonstration as political protest does not remove the need to examine whether particular actions have endangered others or created intimidation.
Britain faces the difficult task of maintaining effective border controls, processing asylum claims fairly and protecting the right to peaceful protest.
Burnham’s remarks make clear that he believes these responsibilities cannot be separated from the need to maintain public confidence and prevent hostility from spreading through communities.
The political argument over immigration will continue, particularly while small-boat crossings and asylum accommodation remain prominent public concerns. The central test for the government, campaigners and law-enforcement authorities will be whether they can address those concerns through lawful action and evidence-based debate rather than fear and confrontation.
For now, Burnham has delivered a clear public rebuke to Thomas and his movement. The longer-term significance of the dispute will depend on what happens next: the outcome of the legal proceedings, the conduct of future demonstrations and the government’s ability to show that immigration policy can be managed effectively without placing vulnerable people or local communities at unnecessary risk.