London Real – Ben Habib: Why I Marched On London With Tommy Robinson To Protect Free Speech
Host: Brian Rose
Guest: Ben Habib
Date: November 2, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode of London Real features Ben Habib, politician, entrepreneur, and leader of the new Advance UK political party. Host Brian Rose delves into Habib’s personal journey, his controversial partnership with Tommy Robinson, and his critique of contemporary British politics, with a particular focus on free speech, immigration, identity, and the future of democracy in the UK. The conversation tackles major grievances with the mainstream parties, the radicalization of political discourse, and the founding ambitions for Advance UK.
Main Themes
- The existential threat to British identity and sovereignty
- The state of free speech in the UK
- Habib’s background and journey into politics
- Advance UK’s mission versus Reform and the Conservative Party
- The media’s role in shaping political narratives
- The influence of high-profile figures like Tommy Robinson and Elon Musk
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. A Nation at a Crossroads
Existential Concerns About Britain’s Future
Habib opens with dire warnings about the direction of Britain:
"If the political class don't get a grip of the problem quickly, the steps required are going to get ever more drastic." — Ben Habib [00:01]
He argues that the UK's threats are as serious as those faced in 1939, calling for deregulation, tax cuts, and the promotion of small and medium-sized businesses, lamenting that neither Labour nor the Conservatives have delivered on these fronts.
On the Current Political Climate:
"There isn't a war going on, but the threats we face are no less than the ones we faced in 1939." — Ben Habib [00:10]
2. Ben Habib’s Journey: From Karachi to London Politics
Personal Backstory and Identity
Habib shares his multicultural heritage—born in Pakistan to a Muslim father and English mother—and reflects on growing up with dual cultural influences:
"I have two different sides from which I was born." — Ben Habib [09:08]
He describes experiencing an increasingly “enlightened” Islam in his youth, which later regressed due to the proliferation of Wahhabism:
“Islam has regressed... Wahhabism, this more fundamentalist form of Islam, was exported out of Saudi Arabia with petrodollars... We seem to have taken some of the worst forms of that into the United Kingdom.” — Ben Habib [11:16]
First Impressions of London:
Both Rose and Habib recount their awe and love for London as a city of opportunity and culture (06:06—07:26).
3. The March on London: Free Speech, Tommy Robinson, and Public Perception
Collaboration with Tommy Robinson
Habib addresses the apparent paradox of being a Pakistani-born politician on stage with Robinson, a figure associated with British nationalism and criticism of Muslim communities:
“Like many others, I saw Tommy as the Voldemort of politics as well, the bad boy of everything. And Tommy Robinson's incarceration was a manifestation of how this country's gone wrong. It was clear he was put in prison for political reasons and therefore it was worth calling it out." — Ben Habib [01:07, 39:39]
Habib stresses that engaging with "vilified" voices is essential for democratic representation, not endorsement of all their views (11:16–17:40).
On the Massive Turnout:
“There were what, well over half a million people who came to that march, Some say a million. I know many people tried to come... There were two and a half million people watching..." — Ben Habib [14:22]
He criticizes the political class for dismissing such mobilization as far-right extremism, insisting that refusal to listen further alienates large segments of the populace.
4. Advance UK vs. Reform: Political Philosophy & Leadership
Habib’s Critique of Reform and Nigel Farage
Habib alleges Farage is driven by expediency, lacking consistent political philosophy, particularly regarding Tommy Robinson:
“Farage doesn't have a political philosophy. Farage is part of the political class that pursues expediency over principle. And he will pivot this way or that way to curry favor..." — Ben Habib [27:12]
“…if you're looking for someone to save the United Kingdom from the forces of cancel culture, to promote freedom of speech, then you've got to be brave. And look, Tommy Robinson ...was put in prison for political reasons, and it was incumbent on Farage to call that out.” — Ben Habib [27:37]
Habib positions Advance UK as a party of "principles, not expediency" and contrasts it with Reform, which he describes as essentially a power grab (33:08).
Breaking Away:
“I knew a new political force was needed. And if you believe as I do that the country is threatened... then you have very little option but to do something, even if it's low probability of success.” — Ben Habib [36:54]
5. Freedom of Speech and Institutional Decay
State of Free Speech in Britain
The conversation repeatedly returns to the theme of free speech. Habib calls out both government and media for censorship and controlling discourse:
“We need to reinstitute the nation state, we need to reinstitute freedom of speech. Because in the pursuit of propagating their extreme ideologies... the only way you can shut the people up is by shutting down speech.” — Ben Habib [22:57]
Habib voices frustration with being de-platformed by outlets like GB News and Talk Radio after launching Advance UK:
“The minute I launched Advance, I was taken off air by GB News. I've been taken off air by Talk. ...and I was stopped like that.” — Ben Habib [53:32]
“That's not open debate. That is not. We're not going to get to the right answer by shutting me down.” — Ben Habib [55:03]
On Cancel Culture and Broken Institutions:
“How are you going to expect a criminal justice system to work if you protect the criminals?” — Ben Habib [71:41]
6. The Influence of Elon Musk
Social Media as a Lifeline for Free Speech
Habib credits Elon Musk's ownership of X (Twitter) as vital for keeping dissenting voices alive:
“I don't think we would have a Trump presidency if he hadn't taken over X. I think it's been a relief. It's been a valve for nation states across Western civilization to find themselves back.” — Ben Habib [52:54]
“The endorsement is massive. ...A couple hundred million people have seen it. That's huge.” — Ben Habib [52:26]
7. Integration, National Identity, and British Values
Integration and Multiculturalism
Habib criticizes what he sees as multicultural excess and calls for a return to explicit British Christian values. He advocates for repealing the Equalities Act and Human Rights Act, re-teaching British history, and openly promoting national symbols:
“I think we need to sing the national anthem at schools, we need to sing Rule Britannia at schools... We need to reacquaint ourselves with our Christian national roots.” — Ben Habib [81:55]
“We need to teach correctly that the wealth of this country wasn't as a result of the slave trade, but as a result of us being one of the originators of the agrarian revolution, being great pioneers...” — Ben Habib [81:57]
A Call for Pride and Peace:
“Politics is about peace and love. Ultimately, that's what we want to deliver, isn't it?... I go to Newcastle with love in my heart for the Geordies, with love in my heart for the Northeast, with love in my heart for the British people.” — Ben Habib [62:53]
8. Looking Ahead: Advance UK’s Ambition
Vision for the Next Election
Habib is optimistic about Advance UK's prospects if popular energy can be harnessed:
“If we can get a million people signing up, we will form the next government... We will walk the next general election.” — Ben Habib [91:46]
He frames Advance UK as the true inheritor of pro-British sentiment, insisting that neither Labour, Conservatives, nor Reform will deliver meaningful change without grassroots, principle-driven leadership.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Courage in Politics:
“I'd rather be on my deathbed knowing I tried, than lying on my deathbed thinking I didn't try.” — Ben Habib [37:14]
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On Institutional Decay:
“Parliament doesn't represent its people. It's sitting separately from its people. And because it sits separately from its people, it feels the need of this massive metal fence.” — Ben Habib [16:55]
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On Collaboration with Tommy Robinson:
“It's not about Tommy Robinson or Elon Musk. It’s about identifying... the issues which are challenging the United Kingdom, calling them out bravely and then finding solutions...” — Ben Habib [43:01]
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On Violence and Democratic Mandate:
“What we want to avoid at all possible cost, is a solution that isn't peaceful.” — Ben Habib [20:55]
“A million people march, and when you ignore them, you're just asking for trouble... then you will have to build a 9 foot tall metal fence outside parliament.” — Brian Rose & Ben Habib [84:39–84:42]
Lighter Moments
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On His Mother's Take on Tommy Robinson:
“‘Isn't [Tommy] the guy who had a squabble with Nigel Farage? Well, he must be a very sensible person then.’” — Ben Habib quoting his mother [69:48]
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On British vs. American City Life:
"Coming back to London was like coming to a village. And I've absolutely adored London ever since." — Ben Habib [06:06]
Important Discussion Timestamps
- [00:01] – Habib's warning about state of nation
- [06:06] – Habib’s arrival and initial impressions of London
- [09:08] – Habib on background, Islam, and cultural shifts
- [11:16] – Wahhabism and the shift in Muslim communities
- [14:22] – On the magnitude of the London March
- [27:12] – Habib’s critique of Farage and Reform
- [33:08] – Reform as power grab; need for principle
- [43:01] – Habib clarifies his stance on alliances (Tommy Robinson, Elon Musk)
- [52:26] – On the power of endorsement and reach via X
- [53:32] – Being de-platformed by GB News and Talk
- [63:04] – “Peace and love” as political mission
- [71:41] – On criminal justice and the true victims
- [81:55] – Advocating for national pride, tradition, and curriculum change
- [91:46] – Path to electoral victory for Advance UK
- [84:39–84:42] – The consequences of political alienation
Conclusion
Ben Habib presents himself as a conviction-driven outsider, steadfast in his critique of the UK’s political malaise and insistent on radical re-engagement with British identity, sovereignty, and free speech. He leverages his background to bridge cultural divides, argues that public anxieties are being ignored at peril, and positions Advance UK as an authentic alternative to parties that—he claims—have lost their way. The episode is energetic, polemical, and at times raw, offering listeners keen insight into the emerging fractures on the British right.
Advance UK Membership:
For more on Advance UK or to join the movement: www.advanceuk.orguk [90:38]