The British Army is investigating after far-right activist Tommy Robinson posted a picture of himself surrounded by a group of men who appear to be soldiers or cadets.
The grinning men are in camouflage uniform and surround Robinson, who is dressed in a grey and navy tracksuit. The former English Defence League (EDL) leader, 35, has captioned the image: “Respect lads.”
A spokesman for the Army said: “We are aware of a photograph and video of a group of Army personnel on social media and are investigating the circumstances surrounding this.
“Anyone who is in breach of the Army’s values and standards will face administrative action.”
Imam Asim Hafiz, Islamic Religious Advisor to the Armed Forces said: “I have been with the Armed Forces for over 10 years and I know that any form of racism, discrimination or extremism is taken extremely seriously and will be dealt with accordingly.
“The Armed Forces remain absolutely committed to welcoming individuals from across all faiths and cultures into its ranks.”
Robinson has since posted about the investigation, urging supporters to sign a petition to show the “Great British public will not tolerate politically motivated persecution of our service men and women who have simply expressed their freedoms.”
Robinson was freed from prison in August after three leading judges quashed a contempt of court finding made at Leeds Crown Court.