What smashed the far right in east London? A playbook that said connect, connect, connect | Margaret Hodge
In a reflective piece, Labour peer Margaret Hodge recounts the party’s strategic efforts to counter the rise of the British National Party (BNP) in Barking ahead of the 2010 general election, drawing parallels to the current resurgence of far-right movements across Europe. Hodge emphasizes that while the context has evolved significantly since 2010—with the advent of social media, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions—the fundamental principles of unity and grassroots activism remain crucial in the fight against extremism. She argues that the lessons learned from Barking can inform contemporary strategies to combat the far-right sentiments that have gained traction in the wake of the 2024 U.S. presidential election and the potential return of Donald Trump.
In Barking, Hodge highlights how the Labour party mobilized local communities to confront the BNP’s divisive rhetoric and policies. Through grassroots campaigning, they emphasized inclusivity and community solidarity, countering the BNP’s narrative that exploited fear and division. Hodge recalls the power of door-to-door canvassing and local engagement, where party members listened to residents’ concerns and shared positive, unifying messages. This proactive approach not only helped to dismantle the BNP’s influence but also fostered a sense of belonging among diverse community members. Hodge’s insights serve as a reminder that in today’s digital age, while social media can amplify extremist views, it also offers a platform for counter-narratives that celebrate diversity and promote solidarity.
As Hodge reflects on the current political landscape, she urges political leaders and communities to adopt similar tactics to address the rise of populism cloaked in extremism. By focusing on local issues, building alliances across different groups, and promoting a vision of hope and unity, she believes that society can effectively challenge the narratives that seek to divide. The fight against far-right ideologies, she asserts, is not just a political battle but a moral imperative that requires collective action and resilience from all corners of society. Hodge’s message is clear: learning from past experiences can empower present and future generations to stand firm against the tide of extremism.
Labour peer Margaret Hodge shares how the party tackled the rise of the British National party in Barking before the 2010 general election
Once again, the far right is advancing across Europe, emboldened by the outcome of the 2024 presidential election and the return of Donald Trump to the White House. To turn back extremism masquerading as populism, I believe there are lessons we can learn from our battle against the extreme right in Barking in 2010, when
we crushed the BNP
.
The context is different. There was little social media before 2010; we hadn’t been through a pandemic; there was no major war in Europe and no serious challenge to a rules-based international order.
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