What smashed the far right in east London? A playbook that said connect, connect, connect | Margaret Hodge
In a recent reflection on the rise of far-right movements across Europe, Labour peer Margaret Hodge draws parallels between the current political climate and her party’s successful campaign against the British National Party (BNP) in Barking before the 2010 general election. Hodge emphasizes that, much like today, the BNP’s ascent was fueled by a combination of social discontent and economic uncertainty. At that time, the BNP was gaining traction by exploiting fears surrounding immigration and national identity, leading to a significant challenge for the Labour Party in Barking, a constituency that became a battleground for these extremist ideologies.
Hodge recounts the strategic measures employed by the Labour Party to combat the BNP’s influence, highlighting grassroots mobilization, community engagement, and a focus on local issues that resonated with voters. The party’s campaign was marked by a concerted effort to connect with constituents, addressing their concerns while simultaneously countering the BNP’s divisive rhetoric. This approach not only helped to galvanize support for Labour but also fostered a sense of community resilience against extremist narratives. Hodge’s insights serve as a reminder of the importance of proactive engagement and the need for political parties to adapt their strategies in response to the evolving landscape of populism and extremism.
As we witness the resurgence of far-right ideologies, particularly in the wake of the 2024 U.S. presidential election and Donald Trump’s return to power, Hodge argues that the lessons learned from Barking are more relevant than ever. She urges political leaders to prioritize unity and inclusivity, emphasizing that combating extremism requires a collective effort to address the underlying social and economic issues that give rise to such movements. By reflecting on past successes and failures, Hodge believes that there is hope for countering the current wave of populism and safeguarding democratic values across Europe.
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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