When is ‘the accused’ not ‘the accused’? When he did it…

NOTE: This article was published on 6 September 2024“Staff watched videos from outside the hotel, which was housing about 200 asylum seekers, as violence flared with police outside. Thomas Birley is accused of being part of that violence, the court hears.” The BBC, along with a number of papers, often seems to be arse-covering when…

NOTE: This article was published on 6 September 2024

“Staff watched videos from outside the hotel, which was housing about 200 asylum seekers, as violence flared with police outside. Thomas Birley is accused of being part of that violence, the court hears.”

The BBC, along with a number of papers, often seems to be arse-covering when there is absolutely no longer any need to, dotting reports with ‘allegedly’ and so on where there is actually no doubt or risk of contempt.

This particular report concerns Thomas Birley (pictured) , from Doncaster, who stoked a fire in a wheelie bin that was pushed against an exit of the hotel on 4 August.

Today’s Birley hearing is for sentencing. He has already pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder, one of arson with intent to endanger life and one of possessing an offensive weapon.

He is not “accused of being part of that violence” as the BBC report (above) would have us believe. His part in it is settled. He did it. He has admitted it.

Now he’s just waiting to find out how long he’s going down for.

(The arson charge carries a maximum tariff of life imprisonment).


Paul Holborow

Paul Holborow

In the campaign against the National Front, Searchlight provided a rich and utterly reliable basis for much ANL propaganda – particularly with reference to the two leading NF figures, John Tyndall and Martin Webster. The appearance of Tyndall in full nazi uniform, drawn from the archives of Searchlight, was a key part of ANL propaganda, coupled with deeply damaging nazi quotes from Webster.

Paul Holborow
Founding member of the ANL and National Organiser 1977-81

Nick Davies

Nick Davies

To investigate fascists takes real courage and unusual commitment. The government, police, mainstream media occasionally take a look, but in the UK only Searchlight have kept at it, relentlessly and admirably, regardless of threat or obstacle. It’s journalism that matters. A rare thing.

Nick Davies
Multi-award-winning investigative journalist and writer

Alf Dubs

Lord Alf Dubs

Searchlight’s voice is more important than ever, and I am delighted that it will now be available to a wider audience than ever before in its new incarnation online. Searchlight has been extremely helpful over the years in exposing the far right, corruption, criminality and the murky links between organised crime and powerful interests in the UK and abroad. I wish Searchlight the very best.

Alf Dubs
Labour peer, former MP and Cabinet Minister, and Kindertransport child

Professor Colin Holmes

Professor Colin Holmes
Everyone who wants to understand contemporary racism and its historical background needs to read Searchlight.
Professor Colin Holmes
University of Sheffield

Paul Nowak

Paul Nowak

The essence of trade unionism is solidarity, fairness and equality – for all workers – from all backgrounds. That’s why our fight against the far-right has always been part of our movement’s DNA. Searchlight is an incredibly important resource for trade unions and members to understand the contemporary tactics of far-right activity. Their work and intelligence gathering over the years have been incredibly insightful for the work we do, and how we fight the scourge of fascism.

Paul Nowak
TUC General Secretary

Peter Hain

Peter Hain, founder of the ANL and friend of Searchlight

British Jews have been persecuted over the centuries; British blacks since the Windrush generation of the 1950s; British Muslims, especially after the Islamist 9/11 and then 7/7 terrorist attacks in New York 2001 and London 2005. But until the last few years there has not been a simultaneous threat against all three British communities of Jewish, Black and Muslim Britons – meaning the need for Searchlight has never been greater.

Peter Hain
Labour peer, former MP and Cabinet Minster

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