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 extremism, Labour peer Margaret Hodge recounts her party’s strategic battle against the British National Party (BNP) in Barking during the lead-up to the 2010 general election. Hodge emphasizes the alarming resurgence of far-right movements across Europe, particularly in light of the recent political shifts in the United States, including Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Drawing parallels between the challenges faced in 2010 and the current political landscape, Hodge argues that the Labour Party’s experience in Barking offers valuable lessons for combating contemporary extremism disguised as populism.
In 2010, the BNP posed a significant threat, gaining traction by exploiting local grievances and economic anxieties. Hodge highlights how the Labour Party mobilized its grassroots efforts to counter the BNP’s influence, focusing on community engagement and addressing the concerns of local residents. By fostering a sense of unity and inclusivity, the party was able to not only defeat the BNP at the polls but also dismantle its narrative of division. Hodge points out that the context of 2010 was markedly different from today; there were no social media platforms to amplify extremist messages, and the political climate lacked the tumultuous backdrop of a pandemic or a major war in Europe.
Hodge’s reflection serves as a call to action for today’s political leaders and communities to learn from past successes in combating hate and division. The Labour Party’s victory in Barking demonstrates the importance of grassroots activism, proactive communication, and building coalitions across diverse communities. As far-right ideologies threaten to gain ground once more, Hodge urges a renewed commitment to democratic values and the promotion of social cohesion, reminding us that the fight against extremism requires vigilance, solidarity, and a willingness to engage with the electorate on pressing issues.
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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