Joyce defends Hanson's controversial meeting as dog interrupts interview

Australian Senator Barnaby Joyce defended Pauline Hanson's recent meeting with Tommy Robinson, a British activist with a criminal record, during a television interview. The interview itself was twice interrupted by Joyce's dog.

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I don't believe that it was a carte blanche case that One Nation wanted that meeting. I think it was basically suggested by [Channel Seven's] Spotlight, agreed to by One Nation.

Joyce rejected suggestions that Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, had crossed a "red line" by meeting Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Robinson has faced convictions for contempt of court, fraud, and assault, and has been condemned by British authorities for his role in anti-immigration demonstrations. Joyce argued that the meeting was not actively sought by Hanson but was suggested as part of a television production.

However, the presenter, Sarah Ferguson, challenged this account, citing information from Channel Seven that the meeting was arranged before the broadcaster became involved. Joyce maintained he had "read the emails" and held a different view. He acknowledged Robinson's criminal offenses but stated this did not equate to Hanson endorsing his actions.

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she had not travelled to Britain 'with a bio of everything that Tommy Robinson had done'.

Instead, Joyce suggested Robinson's existence and prominence are indicative of deeper societal divisions within Britain. "Tommy Robinson would not exist if there was not such a fracture … within English society that has given support to Tommy Robinson," he said. The discussion also touched upon Hanson's comments during her European trip, including footage of her criticizing Muslim communities in Britain.

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Tommy Robinson would not exist if there was not such a fracture … within English society that has given support to Tommy Robinson.