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 revisited the party’s successful campaign against the British National Party (BNP) in Barking during the lead-up to the 2010 general election. Hodge highlights the resurgence of far-right movements across Europe, particularly in light of the political shifts following the 2024 presidential election and Donald Trump’s return to power. She emphasizes that the lessons learned from Barking are crucial in combating the rising tide of extremism disguised as populism today.
In 2010, the BNP had gained significant traction in Barking, fueled by economic anxieties and social tensions. Hodge recalls how the Labour Party mobilized local activists, engaged with the community, and countered the BNP’s divisive rhetoric by promoting a message of unity and inclusivity. They focused on grassroots campaigning, emphasizing the importance of listening to constituents’ concerns and addressing the real issues affecting their lives. This approach not only helped to dismantle the BNP’s support but also reinforced the Labour Party’s commitment to diversity and social justice. Hodge notes that while the context now differs significantly—marked by the prevalence of social media, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical instability—the fundamental need to engage and empower communities remains the same.
Hodge’s reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of proactive political engagement in the face of extremism. She advocates for a renewed commitment to democratic values and the need for political parties to adapt their strategies to resonate with contemporary issues. The battle against the far right is ongoing, and Hodge believes that by learning from past victories, such as the one in Barking, political leaders can better equip themselves to confront the challenges posed by extremist ideologies today. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the lessons from Barking could provide a blueprint for effective resistance against the far-right resurgence in Europe and beyond.
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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