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Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025
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Undercover Investigation Reveals Activities of UK Far-Right Group
BBC Exposes Anti-Immigrant Sentiments and Activities within Patriotic Alternative Amid Calls for Government Action
An undercover investigation by BBC Wales has shed light on the activities of a far-right group in the UK, Patriotic Alternative, revealing anti-immigrant rhetoric and discussions of violent action among some members.
Former Counter-Extremism Commissioner Dame Sara Khan has urged the UK government to consider outlawing such groups due to their potential for fostering extremism.
The investigation, which spanned a year, involved a BBC journalist infiltrating Patriotic Alternative to document the group's actions and sentiments.
Secret recordings captured members using racial slurs and expressing extreme views against immigrants.
Some members suggested that violence could be necessary if immigrants did not leave the UK voluntarily.
Patriotic Alternative, described in reports as the UK's largest far-right group with an estimated 500 members, organizes and participates in protests around controversial local issues, such as plans to house asylum seekers in a hotel in Llanelli.
The group has regional branches across the UK, engaging members including former professionals, in demonstrations and online activity.
Despite these revelations, the group’s leader, Mark Collett, maintains that they do not promote violence and instead focus on peacefully campaigning for the rights of what they term 'indigenous British people.' Collett, who has a history with the British National Party, stated that any use of racial slurs by members is against the group's code of conduct.
The BBC’s investigative report included footage showing members discussing acquiring weapons and expressing that a race war was inevitable.
In response to the footage, legal experts such as barrister Ramya Nagesh have asserted that there is sufficient evidence to warrant police investigation and potential action by the Crown Prosecution Service.
In response to the investigation, the UK government reaffirmed its commitment to tackle extremism, noting that it collaborates with law enforcement and community partners to address groups inciting hatred and division.
The Home Office has expressed its intent to evaluate appropriate measures to deal with such groups.
The exposure of Patriotic Alternative's activities raises questions about the current legal framework's adequacy in addressing non-terroristic but potentially harmful rhetoric.
The ongoing debate surrounds whether groups that incite racial discord should be banned, a stance supported by Dame Sara Khan and others concerned about the potential for increased public disorder influenced by extremist group messaging.
Former Counter-Extremism Commissioner Dame Sara Khan has urged the UK government to consider outlawing such groups due to their potential for fostering extremism.
The investigation, which spanned a year, involved a BBC journalist infiltrating Patriotic Alternative to document the group's actions and sentiments.
Secret recordings captured members using racial slurs and expressing extreme views against immigrants.
Some members suggested that violence could be necessary if immigrants did not leave the UK voluntarily.
Patriotic Alternative, described in reports as the UK's largest far-right group with an estimated 500 members, organizes and participates in protests around controversial local issues, such as plans to house asylum seekers in a hotel in Llanelli.
The group has regional branches across the UK, engaging members including former professionals, in demonstrations and online activity.
Despite these revelations, the group’s leader, Mark Collett, maintains that they do not promote violence and instead focus on peacefully campaigning for the rights of what they term 'indigenous British people.' Collett, who has a history with the British National Party, stated that any use of racial slurs by members is against the group's code of conduct.
The BBC’s investigative report included footage showing members discussing acquiring weapons and expressing that a race war was inevitable.
In response to the footage, legal experts such as barrister Ramya Nagesh have asserted that there is sufficient evidence to warrant police investigation and potential action by the Crown Prosecution Service.
In response to the investigation, the UK government reaffirmed its commitment to tackle extremism, noting that it collaborates with law enforcement and community partners to address groups inciting hatred and division.
The Home Office has expressed its intent to evaluate appropriate measures to deal with such groups.
The exposure of Patriotic Alternative's activities raises questions about the current legal framework's adequacy in addressing non-terroristic but potentially harmful rhetoric.
The ongoing debate surrounds whether groups that incite racial discord should be banned, a stance supported by Dame Sara Khan and others concerned about the potential for increased public disorder influenced by extremist group messaging.
