What smashed the far right in east London? A playbook that said connect, connect, connect | Margaret Hodge
In a compelling reflection on the rise of far-right politics in Europe, Labour peer Margaret Hodge draws parallels between the current political landscape and her party’s successful campaign against the British National Party (BNP) in Barking ahead of the 2010 general election. Hodge emphasizes that while the context has changed significantly—marked by the emergence of social media, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions—there are crucial lessons to be learned from that pivotal moment in British politics. The resurgence of right-wing populism, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House following the 2024 presidential election, underscores the urgency of addressing extremism in all its forms.
Hodge recalls how the Labour Party mobilized grassroots efforts to counter the BNP’s influence in Barking, a borough that had become a focal point for the party’s anti-racism campaign. By building a broad coalition that included local communities, activists, and party members, they were able to effectively challenge the BNP’s narrative and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusivity. Key strategies included engaging directly with voters to address their concerns, countering misinformation, and showcasing the positive contributions of immigrants to the community. This approach not only helped to defeat the BNP at the ballot box but also fostered a sense of unity among residents against the divisive politics of hate.
As Hodge reflects on these experiences, she urges current political leaders to adopt similar strategies in combating the far-right resurgence today. She highlights the importance of harnessing the power of community engagement and grassroots activism, particularly in an era dominated by social media, where misinformation can spread rapidly. By focusing on local issues and building coalitions across diverse groups, politicians can create a powerful counter-narrative to the populist rhetoric that often fuels extremist movements. Hodge’s insights serve as a crucial reminder that the fight against extremism requires vigilance, solidarity, and a commitment to democratic values, especially in times of uncertainty.
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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