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 her party’s strategic efforts to combat 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 the political landscape has shifted dramatically since 2010, with the advent of social media, the global pandemic, and geopolitical tensions reshaping public discourse. The BNP, known for its anti-immigrant rhetoric and nationalist agenda, was a formidable force in Barking, but through grassroots organizing, community engagement, and a robust counter-narrative, Labour successfully mobilized voters to reject the party’s divisive message.
Hodge highlights the importance of community involvement in their campaign strategy, noting that Labour focused on building strong connections with local residents and addressing their concerns directly. This approach not only countered the BNP’s fear-mongering but also fostered a sense of unity among diverse communities in Barking. By promoting a message of inclusivity and solidarity, Labour was able to galvanize support, ultimately leading to a significant defeat of the BNP in the election. Hodge argues that similar tactics can be employed today to combat the rising tide of extremism, particularly as populist rhetoric gains traction in the wake of events like the 2024 presidential election in the U.S. and the return of Donald Trump to the political forefront.
As she reflects on these historical lessons, Hodge calls for a renewed commitment to democratic values and community engagement to counteract the allure of far-right ideologies. She warns that the current moment demands vigilance and proactive measures to ensure that the progress made in promoting equality and diversity is not undone. By learning from the past and adapting to the new challenges posed by social media and global unrest, Hodge believes that political parties can forge a path forward to resist extremism and uphold the principles of a democratic society.
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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