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 revisits the strategies employed by her party to combat the rise of the British National Party (BNP) in Barking ahead of the 2010 general election. Hodge draws parallels between the challenges faced then and the current resurgence of far-right movements across Europe, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s return to the White House following the 2024 presidential election. She asserts that the lessons learned from the fight against the BNP are crucial as societies grapple with the growing influence of extremism disguised as populism.
Hodge emphasizes the distinct context of 2010, highlighting the absence of social media as a tool for mobilizing support and spreading misinformation. The political landscape was markedly different; there were no global pandemics, major conflicts in Europe, or significant threats to the established international order. Yet, despite these differences, Hodge believes that the grassroots organizing and community engagement strategies employed in Barking can serve as a blueprint for today’s political climate. In Barking, the Labour Party successfully countered the BNP’s narrative by engaging directly with local communities, addressing their concerns, and presenting a clear alternative vision that resonated with voters. Hodge recalls how the party focused on building alliances with diverse community groups and emphasizing shared values, which ultimately led to a decisive victory against the BNP.
As the far right gains momentum in contemporary politics, Hodge’s insights underscore the importance of proactive engagement and the necessity of addressing the root causes of discontent that fuel extremist ideologies. By fostering dialogue, promoting inclusivity, and countering divisive rhetoric with positive messaging, political parties can work to reclaim the narrative and prevent the normalization of extremist views. Hodge’s reflections serve as a timely reminder that while the context may have changed, the fight against extremism remains a critical challenge that requires unity, resilience, and a commitment to democratic values.
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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