Far-Right Riots 2024

Did Russian disinformation fuel the Southport protests?

— The far-right protests in England, triggered by disinformation around the Southport stabbings, have been linked to Russian disinformation. We looked at the digital footprint and spoke to protesters. The deeper issue lies in pervasive anti-migrant sentiments.

Devolution

Crown Estate: Why it’s time to devolve it and put Wales on par with Scotland

— Despite Welsh Labour’s commitment to devolving the Crown Estate, the new UK Labour government has not initiated discussions. Devolution remains uncertain, with economic concerns and potential delays cited as obstacles.

Far-Right Riots 2024

The hypermasculine far-right: How white nationalists tell themselves they are ‘protecting’ women and children when they riot

— The recent riots in England and Northern Ireland stem from ultra-nationalist beliefs linking male violence to “protecting” children, fuelled by misinformation and extremist gender norms. Countering this requires promoting positive masculinities that resist violence, challenging far-right narratives.

UK Politics

The hypocrisy at the heart of racist riots

— Misinformation after a Southport stabbing sparked Islamophobic violence, exposing how racial biases and political scapegoating fuel racism and unequal responses to crimes based on the perpetrator’s race.

English Nationalism

The trouble with England – Why rioting in the UK has not spread to Scotland and Wales

— The recent violent unrest in England reflects deep-seated English identity issues linked to post-imperial decline, national confusion, and resentment over devolution. Scotland and Wales, which have adopted more progressive, inclusive narratives, have remained largely unaffected.

Legitimisation of the Far-Right

Refusing to call out Islamophobia has emboldened the far-right – and the current violence is the result

— The recent riots, triggered by misinformation and targeting Muslims, highlight deep-seated Islamophobia in the UK. Despite clear evidence, politicians avoid labelling it as such, instead calling it far-right thuggery or anti-immigration protests.

Far-Right Riots 2024

UK braces for far-right mobilisations as 48 potential hotspots are identified

— 48 locations face potential far-right mobilisations in the UK this evening, with up to 100 events possible. A Telegram list targeting refugee service providers has spread fear, prompting community counter-protests.

OPINION

English nationalism’s fascist problem

— The ongoing far-right violence in England, misrepresented as a British issue, underscores the nation’s struggle with English nationalism and identity. Media and political narratives often avoid this root cause, exacerbating tensions.

Far-Right Riots 2024

Britain’s democracy at a crossroads: The urgent call for reform amidst far-right riots

— Could electoral reform from the First Past the Post system to Proportional Representation reduce extremism and strengthen democracy by addressing grievances and creating a more representative political system in Britain?

Far-Right Riots 2024

Middle-aged radicalisation: Why are so many of Britain’s rioters in their 40s and 50s?

— Middle-aged people, often overlooked in discussions on radicalisation, are increasingly drawn into extremism through online misinformation. This group’s vulnerability, due to limited digital literacy and misinformation exposure, has been highlighted by recent riots.

Far-Right Riots 2024

Riots in the UK: Online propagandists know how to work their audiences – this is what we are missing

— Far-right violence in English towns has highlighted the need to rethink our approach to combating online propaganda. Current strategies fail as hate-filled content thrives on social media. Instead of merely fact-checking, we should target the audiences and algorithms that amplify extremist views.

Far-Right Riots 2024

Starmer vows swift action against far-right violence

— Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s latest address to the nation reaffirms his commitment to quickly prosecuting those behind recent far-right violence, promising justice and safety for targeted communities.

Far-Right Riots 2024

Corbyn and independent MPs demand stronger Government stance on far-right violence

— Jeremy Corbyn and four independent MPs have sharply criticised Sir Keir Starmer for his perceived inadequacy in addressing anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim hatred linked to the ongoing far-right riots. They call for more decisive action with immediate measures.

OPINION

Let Glasgow flourish against fascism

— British politics has seen alarming far-right normalisation, driven by figures like Nigel Farage and extremist groups. To counter their growing influence, anti-fascists and Scottish independence supporters must unite.

Analysis

Retirement as we know it is ending – It’s time to rethink the idea of working age

— Retirement ages are rising, yet the OECD’s working age definition (15-64) remains unchanged despite shifts in job markets and longevity. Alternative metrics like functional or cognitive age may offer better insights into workforce contributions.

Social Media

Southport riots: Why social media’s role in unrest is overblown

— Riots erupted after three young girls were fatally stabbed in Southport, with far-right extremists clashing with police and targeting a mosque. Misinformation online fuelled tensions, but social media’s role in inciting violence is debated.