Far right activities and European Parliament hopeful Tommy Robinson is set for a frosty reception when he travels to Cumbria next week to canvas for votes.

Unite Against Fascism (UAF) is to stage a protest march when Mr Robinson, 36, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, visits the town on Thursday, May 16 as part of a North West tour ahead of June’s European elections.

Independent MP for Barrow and Furness, John Woodcock, has also hit out at the visit, accusing Mr Robinson of attempting to “stir up trouble”.

Mr Robinson – a former member of the British National Party and to co-founder of the English Defence League – is bidding to become one of the region's eight elected Members in the European Parliament (MEPs).

Mr Woodcock said: “This fraudster and serial thug has a list of convictions as long as your arm and doesn’t stand up for anyone except himself.

“Mr Yaxley-Lennon’s bid to become a Member of the European Parliament is just the latest attempt to get a platform for his message of hate and division.

“The overwhelming majority of people in our community will reject his attempts to stir up trouble and our message to him is to stay away.”

As well as staging a march to coincide with Mr Robinson’s visit, the UAF is joining forces with Barrow Trade Council to stage a protest rally at the Spirit of Barrow statue in Dalton Road on Saturday.

Northwest regional organiser for UAF, Paul Jenkins said: “We want to get through to everyone they have to use their vote to make sure this far-right fascist does not become an MEP - because he only needs eight percent.

“Many will argue that by protesting we’re against freedom of speech, which is not true.

“Freedom of speech has limitations when it is used for hate speech and racism, especially from a man who has a history marching with Polish nationals to promote anti-fascism movements.”

Mr Robinson was recently in the news after a milkshake was thrown over him after confronting a man in Warrington.