What smashed the far right in east London? A playbook that said connect, connect, connect | Margaret Hodge
In a recent reflection on the rise of far-right movements in Europe, Labour peer Margaret Hodge draws critical lessons from her party’s successful campaign against the British National Party (BNP) in Barking ahead of the 2010 general election. Hodge highlights that the political landscape today is markedly different from that of 2010, with new challenges such as the pervasive influence of social media, the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions reshaping public discourse. The resurgence of populism, particularly following the 2024 U.S. presidential election and Donald Trump’s return to power, has raised alarms about the potential for extremist ideologies to gain traction across Europe, including in the UK.
Hodge recalls how the Labour Party galvanized its grassroots support in Barking to combat the BNP’s rising influence, which was characterized by anti-immigrant sentiment and a platform of division. The party focused on community engagement, addressing local concerns, and promoting a message of inclusivity and unity. By fostering strong connections with diverse communities and countering the BNP’s narrative with positive alternatives, Labour was able to not only defeat the far-right party in Barking but also to send a broader message against extremism. Hodge emphasizes the importance of these strategies in today’s context, advocating for a proactive approach that involves listening to communities, countering misinformation, and promoting a vision of society that celebrates diversity rather than division.
As the political climate continues to evolve, Hodge’s insights serve as a reminder that combating the far right requires more than just reactive measures; it necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the underlying issues that fuel extremism. By learning from past victories like the one in Barking, political leaders can forge a path forward that prioritizes democratic values and social cohesion, ultimately working to dismantle the appeal of populist extremism in all its forms.
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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