Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

British far-right emerged into a 'digitally networked threat' during lockdown, report says

A NEW report released on Monday (22) revealed that Covid-19 lockdown has boosted the evolution of the British far-right into a digitally networked threat last year.

The 'State of Hate 2021' report launched by shadow justice minister David Lammy MP discusses how civil society and institutions must respond to the burgeoning global danger of the emergence of domestic and international far-right.


Using digital technology, far-right groups continued to proselytise, promote and recruit via online gaming, voice chats on social media, online film clubs and even home schooling, the report said.

According to the report, in the wake of Black Lives Matter (BLM),  there has also been a return to overt white nationalist ideology and a slew of teenage far-right terror convictions, with Instagram increasingly being used by young far-right extremists.

The report also contains exclusive investigations into a new neo-nazi organisation National Partisan Movement, who is behind the Sabmyk QAnon conspiracy, Northern Ireland Loyalism, eco-fascism and detailed profiles of the key groups and individuals in the British far-right.

The British far-right is now digitally led and reflective of online culture – traditional structures have given way to social media platforms, influencers and ‘citizen journalists’ creating peer-to-peer radicalisation and a global community willing to crowd source ‘micro-donations’ of time and effort. The new organisations and collectives that are emerging understand how to operate in this decentralised, self-directed environment," said Nick Lowles, chief executive, HOPE not hate.

"We have seen a slew of far-right terror convictions over the last year, and half of these have been teenagers. Though we continue to warn about niche platforms like Telegram, a fertile recruitment ground for young neo-nazis has been Instagram – it’s inadequate moderation and worrying algorithm recommendations are child protection issues that demand urgent action from the platform.”

The report has found out that 54 per cent of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) Britons think the UK is institutionally racist, and 61 per cent of them thought that the BLM movement hasn't lead to real change in Britain.

As many as 63 per cent of BAME people in Britain do not trust Boris Johnson to deliver on his promise to tackle racism and racial inequality, it added.

The report said: "About 22 per cent of UK population think there is some truth in the claim that elites in Hollywood, governments, the media and other powerful positions are secretly engaging in large scale child trafficking and abuse. As many as 20 per cent of the respondents think that coronavirus is a bio-weapon intentionally spread by the Chinese state, and 21 per cent of people think that Covid-19 has been intentionally released as part of a 'depopulation' plan by the UN or New World Order."

On questions about Brexit, 50 per cent of the respondents think that Brexit had increased the likelihood of the UK breaking up, with only 9 per cent thinking it had made it less likely. A majority of 54 per cent think that it was the right decision for Britain to leave the EU and around 53 per cent think Brexit will be good for Britain, the report found out.

However, in a separate Northern Ireland poll, 63 per cent of people opposed Brexit, and 69 per cent said it will be bad for Northern Ireland.

Of the total respondents, 34 per cent said that the Labour party has a problem with antisemitism, and 29 per cent think the party has a problem with Islamophobia as well. As many as 28 per cent of those polled said that the Conservative party has a problem with Islamophobia, the report added.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less