What smashed the far right in east London? A playbook that said connect, connect, connect | Margaret Hodge
In a recent reflection, Labour peer Margaret Hodge recounted the party’s strategic approach to countering 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, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Hodge emphasized that while the context has significantly changed since 2010—with the absence of social media, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing geopolitical tensions—the lessons learned from that electoral battle remain relevant today.
In Barking, the BNP had gained traction by exploiting local grievances and fears, particularly around immigration and national identity. Hodge highlighted that the Labour party’s response was multifaceted, focusing on community engagement, grassroots mobilization, and a clear communication strategy that addressed the concerns of residents while countering the BNP’s divisive rhetoric. For example, Labour activists organized door-to-door campaigns to listen to constituents, dispelling myths propagated by the far-right and offering a narrative of inclusivity and community solidarity. This proactive stance not only helped to diminish the BNP’s influence but also reinforced the importance of local politics in combating extremism.
As Hodge notes, the current political landscape presents its own challenges, with far-right ideologies gaining momentum across Europe, often fueled by populist sentiments. She argues that in order to effectively combat this resurgence, political parties must learn from past experiences and adapt their strategies to today’s digital age. This includes leveraging social media to counter misinformation and build coalitions across diverse communities. By fostering dialogue and understanding, parties can create a united front against extremism, ensuring that the lessons from Barking’s fight against the BNP inform today’s efforts to uphold democratic values and social cohesion.
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.
Continue reading…
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering General news.
