The United Kingdom is mired in one of the worst waves of xenophobia in the last 15 years. The recent far-right demonstrations have left more than 500 people arrested, reflecting a climate of tension and violence that has shaken the country. These riots have not only highlighted the growing social discontent, but have also revealed Deep divisions in British society.
The riots began after rumours spread on social media about the nationality and religion of the alleged attacker who killed three girls in Southport. Ultra groups took advantage of the tragedy to spread disinformation, falsely attributing the crime to a Muslim asylum seeker. This act of violence, which occurred during a themed party in the coastal town, was the trigger for a series of violent demonstrations which spread rapidly throughout the country (Liverpool, Manchester, Bristol, Blackpool, Hull…).
Social media played a crucial role in the rapid spread of these rumors.exacerbating fear and anger among certain sections of the population. The situation was exacerbated when far-right protesters began attacking mosques and refugee shelters, leading to violent clashes with police and resulting in numerous injuries. The government’s response has been forceful, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowing to bring those responsible to justice and condemning the acts of violence as “far-right thuggery”.
Evolution of the far right in the United Kingdom
The far right in the UK has experienced a significant evolution in recent decades. From the 70s and 80s, with the emergence of groups such as the National Front, to the present, where parties such as the British National Party (BNP) and more recent movements such as Britain First have gained notoriety. These groups, following the far-right’s playbook to the letter, have capitalised on social and economic discontent, using immigration as a scapegoat to channel the frustration of sectors of the population.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the BNP managed to gain representation in some local councils and in the European Parliament, marking a turning point in British politics. However, its influence began to decline due to internal divisions and growing opposition from anti-racist groups. Despite this, The far right found new ways to re-emergeadapting to social and technological changes.
Over the past decade, movements such as Britain First and the UK Independence Party (UKIP) have gained ground, especially in the context of the Brexit referendum. These groups have used digital platforms and social media to spread their message, reaching a wider audience and mobilising supporters more effectively. Anti-immigrant and nationalist rhetoric has been a central element in his speechtaking advantage of the discontent generated by the economic crisis and the perception of a loss of national identity. A message that, with a Europe in decline and prey to its contradictions, has not taken long to penetrate a significant section of British society.
Recent cases of violence and crimes have been exploited by these groups to fuel anti-immigrant sentiment. For example, the murder of MP Jo Cox in 2016 by a right-wing extremist and attacks on mosques and community centers have been used to foster fear and hatred toward immigrant communities. These incidents have served as a catalyst for the mobilization of the far right, which has been able to capitalize on fear and insecurity to gain support.
Brexit, the breeding ground for the far right
He Brexitwhich promised to be a milestone in recovering national sovereignty and controlling borders, has become a fertile ground for the growth of the far right in the United KingdomThe meteoric rise of these movements is no coincidence, but has been fuelled by the uncertainty and division that the exit from the European Union has generated in British society. From the start, the pro-Brexit campaign relied on slogans such as “taking back control” and reducing immigration, appealing to feelings of loss and distrust towards supranational institutions. However, the post-Brexit reality has proven to be much more complex than promised.
More than four years since the separation was consummated, The economic and social effects of Brexit have left many Britons feeling betrayedThe promised benefits have not materialized for large sections of the population, while the problems, far from being resolved, have worsened. The lack of economic opportunities, the rising cost of living and difficulties in trade have generated a feeling of frustration and widespread discontent. This discontent has been skillfully capitalized on by the far right, which has presented a narrative in which the traditional political class and immigrants are blamed for all the ills that the country suffers.
The outlook for the United Kingdom after Brexit is bleak: Deeper internal divisions, a weakened economy and growing distrust of democratic institutionsIn this context, the far right has emerged as a powerful force, capable of channelling the anger and desperation of those who feel abandoned. With promises of simplistic solutions and speeches laden with xenophobia, these movements continue to gain followers, further aggravating social polarisation and the climate of political uncertainty in the country.
Disinformation and fear campaigns
Immigration has been one of the most controversial issues in the United Kingdom in recent decades. Immigration policies and their public perception have been the subject of intense debate and controversy. As with Spain – because the agenda and plans of the far right are the same in every corner of the planet – the arrival of immigrantsespecially from non-European countries, has been seen by some quarters as a threat to British identity and culture.
The role of disinformation and fear campaigns has been crucial in exacerbating xenophobia. The media and social media have played an important role in spreading alarmist narratives and negative stereotypes about immigrants. These campaigns have contributed to creating a climate of fear and mistrust, fuelling resentment and hostility towards immigrant communities.
