Tommy Robinson's offer to donate MEP salary to grooming victims branded 'an insult to survivors' by charities

English Defence League founder of ‘exploiting the pain of survivors and their families to fuel racist hate for his own gain’

Tommy Robinson’s pledge to offer his European parliament salary to child victims of sexual grooming has been branded “an insult to survivors of abuse” by women’s groups.

More than 40 women and charities, including End Violence Against Women, signed a letter rejecting the offer made by the English Defence League founder, who is standing as an independent MEP candidate in the North West.

Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, made the commitment in a campaign video on his YouTube channel a fortnight ago.

The coalition of women’s groups, activists and academics claimed Mr Robinson was “exploiting the pain of survivors and their families to fuel racist hate for his own gain” in their letter.

They also criticised Mr Robinson for frequently singling out Muslims as being behind grooming gangs.

The letter read: “We, as organisations and individuals fighting tirelessly against the abuse of women and girls, as survivors of abuse and their families, and as people who care about our communities, do not want your money, Tommy.

“Those who have suffered sexual and physical abuse were failed by those who should have protected them. But Tommy Robinson is no ally for the children he claims to stand up for.

“Tommy doesn’t care about the rights of women and girls – he is exploiting the pain of survivors and their families to fuel racist hate for his own gain.”

It added: “Tommy Robinson’s factually incorrect messages about ‘grooming’, and his attempt to portray himself as a champion of the cause, are an insult to survivors of abuse.

“They are also a profound insult to the women who have spent their whole lives building support services for survivors and working to ensure some cases finally got to court.”

Among those to sign the letter were Women for Refugee Women founder and author Natasha Walter, Women and Girls Network co-director Gurpreet Virdee, and chief executive of Rape Crisis South London/Surrey and Sussex Yvonne Traynor.

MEPs get a monthly salary of about £7,500 before tax.

Since launching his campaign for the 23 May election, Mr Robinson has twice been hit by milkshakes while in public.

Police are investigating several alleged assaults which are claimed to have taken place while Mr Robinson was recently visiting Warrington.

Mr Robinson criticised those who signed the letter.

He said: “They need to think of the victims, not of their own politicisation of the situation, that money is to go to any victims of sexual exploitation, including Muslims.

“They are in no position to turn down money, they shouldn’t be.

“They should be in the position to help victims and if that money helps victims, which it does, gets them off the waiting list for counselling, then they are playing with the victims, not me.”

Matthew McGregor, campaign director for anti-racism campaigners Hope Not Hate, said: “This is one of Tommy Robinson’s most cynical stunts.

“Abuse survivors don’t need someone whose main interest is in funding his already lavish lifestyle and spreading hatred.

“Tommy Robinson is a convicted fraudster playing to type, trying to use the misery of others to promote the only thing he cares about – himself.”