The New Statesman | UK politics and culture A year undercover on the far right
May 7, 2025
Harry Shukman, a journalist and researcher at HOPE not hate, shares his gripping account of going undercover in the British far right. He reveals the unsettling rise of groups like the Basket Weavers, their ideologies, and cult-like dynamics. Shukman discusses the alarming connections between far-right extremism and mainstream politics, shedding light on their influence, organization, and troubling funding. His experiences expose the disturbing conversations happening behind closed doors, illuminating a hidden threat to society.
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Undercover Identity Creation
- Harry Shukman created an undercover identity named Chris to infiltrate British far-right groups for over a year.
- He developed a backstory as a business consultant to blend in and gather insights without raising suspicion.
Basket Weavers' Ethno-Nationalism
- The Basket Weavers are an informal far-right group aiming for a whites-only society through off-grid living.
- They reject mainstream engagement, aiming instead for ethnic separation and self-sufficiency to resist perceived societal threats.
Far Right's Male Dominance
- The far-right groups are overwhelmingly male, reflecting hostile attitudes toward women.
- Women are often viewed either as manipulable or solely as traditional reproductive roles, limiting their participation.