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 movements in Europe, Labour peer Margaret Hodge draws from her experience in Barking during the 2010 general election, where her party successfully countered the British National Party (BNP). Hodge argues that the current political climate, marked by the return of Donald Trump to the White House and a resurgence of extremist ideologies, requires a re-examination of strategies used in the past to combat similar threats. The socio-political landscape today is markedly different from that of 2010, with the proliferation of social media, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing geopolitical tensions reshaping public discourse and political engagement.
In Barking, Hodge and her team faced a formidable challenge as the BNP gained traction, leveraging discontent and fear among the electorate. They deployed a grassroots approach, focusing on community engagement and addressing local issues that resonated with voters. Hodge emphasizes the importance of listening to constituents and providing tangible solutions to their concerns, rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric. This strategy not only helped to dismantle the BNP’s support but also fostered a sense of unity and resilience within the Labour Party and the community. The lessons learned from this campaign, Hodge argues, can be instrumental in tackling today’s far-right movements, which often thrive on misinformation and social division.
Hodge advocates for a proactive stance against populism that masquerades as extremism, highlighting the need for political parties to adapt to the current digital landscape. With social media playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and spreading extremist narratives, she stresses the importance of countering falsehoods with factual information and promoting inclusive narratives that resonate with a diverse electorate. By reflecting on the successful strategies employed in Barking, Hodge calls for a renewed commitment to grassroots activism, community engagement, and a principled stand against hate and division in order to safeguard democratic values and promote social cohesion in today’s increasingly polarized political environment.
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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