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The Story

Inside Britain’s far right

Aug 6, 2024
Dominic Kennedy, Investigations Editor at The Times, delves into the recent surge of violence in Britain linked to far-right movements after a tragic event involving three girls. He discusses the historical evolution of these groups, from the National Front to the English Defence League, and highlights how social media has fueled unrest. Kennedy emphasizes the dangerous dynamics of radicalization, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown, and the urgent need for a societal response to combat rising extremism and hate.
35:57

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The far-right has gained traction in the UK by leveraging social media to incite violence and manipulate local grievances.
  • Escalating anti-immigrant sentiments and government policies have allowed far-right groups to exploit public discontent and mobilize support.

Deep dives

Escalation of Civil Unrest

Violent riots have erupted in several cities across the UK, following the tragic killing of three young girls in a knife attack in Southport. The initial vigil for the victims quickly devolved as far-right groups incited crowds through social media, leading to attacks on local police and a mosque. This surge of violence spread from Southport to cities like London, Manchester, and Leeds, where protesters clashed with law enforcement, culminating in property damage and arrests. Members of the community have expressed deep concern about the escalating unrest, highlighting the risky dynamics as local grievances have been manipulated for political agendas.

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