A MASS mobilisation of anti-fascists is under way after fascist mouthpiece Tommy Robinson was appointed as as an “adviser” by Ukip leader Gerard Batten.

The extraordinary appointment of the convicted criminal – real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – was coupled with an announcement that he is to head Ukip’s so-called “Brexit Betrayal” march to take place in London on Sunday December 9.

Mr Batten’s appointment of the co-founder and ex-leader of the English Defence League was even condemned by the former leader of Ukip Nigel Farage, who described the move as “appalling.”

Mr Batten said Mr Yaxley-Lennon would advise him on “rape gangs and prison reform” – subjects which he claimed he is well qualified to discuss.

He also said Mr Yaxley-Lennon would help him turn Ukip into a “mass movement ... a party for ordinary people.”

But Mr Farage accused Mr Batten of taking the Eurosceptic party in a “shameful” direction and called for him to be ousted as leader.

Unite Against Fascism (UAF) and Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) called for the biggest possible mobilisation against Mr Yaxley-Lennon and his gang on Sunday next week.

Last Saturday, anti-fascists turned out in their tens of thousands in London in a display of unity against the growth of the far right.

UAF joint secretary Weyman Bennett said Mr Batten’s appointment of Mr Yaxley-Lennon was an attempt to bring Ukip back to life.

Mr Yaxley-Lennon was released from bail conditions at the Old Bailey earlier this month after his contempt of court appeal was sent to the attorney general for a hearing.

He has numerous previous convictions, including for assault and mortgage fraud, and was also jailed by British authorities in 2013 for using his friend’s passport to travel to the US. 

“Gerard Batten has long been courting the most vile individuals and organisations, in an effort to revive the corpse of Ukip,” Mr Bennett said.

“From the Islamophobic thugs of the so-called Democratic Football Lads Alliance to this latest move by Batten to hire oft-convicted racist Robinson, Batten shows he is happy to continue plying his racism in the gutter of British politics.”

Mr Yaxley-Lennon and his supporters have repeatedly tried to whip up Islamophobia by exploiting victims of grooming and sex abuse.

But he remained silent when former members of the EDL were convicted of such crimes.

Mr Bennett continued: “We must note the profound irony that those who claim to support women and children subjected to rape, sexual abuse and exploitation are both silent when those such as leading EDL member Peter Gillett are found guilty of these serious crimes.

“Robinson and Ukip’s march on December 9 is an attempt to hijack the crucial debate around Brexit in an effort to spread hatred and division.

“UAF and Stand Up to Racism are calling on all, whichever way they voted over the EU, to join in opposing Batten, Robinson and their racist goons.”

The event will take place in central London. Details have yet to be confirmed, but will be published on the UAF and SUTR websites.

A far-right group in Merseyside called “Merseyside Nationalists” have also announced their own march in Liverpool on the same day “for those who can’t make it to London.”

UAF Merseyside will stage a counter-protest which will gather at 9am in Derby Square – where the fascists intend to hold a rally.