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To Tackle Far-right Mobs We Must Tackle Online Habitats
For the past two months, we have had a far-right mob coming to London to harass and attempt to intimidate pro-EU politicians, peaceful activists, and journalists. This group, which apes the look of the French ‘yellow vests’, hangs around Westminster and hurls abuse at anyone they deem an enemy.
MP Anna Soubry has been on the receiving end of their vile abuse more than once, and they recently chanted (in the style of football hooligans) the bizarre ludicrous accusation that she is a Nazi.
Projection can be a revealing thing. While they certainly don’t have the organisational skills of the German Nazi Party, one can understand why some, including John Bercow — the speaker of the House of Commons — have described them as fascists. Extreme patriotism, forcible suppression of opposition, and shouting down dissenting voices are key features of fascism.
After a number of their street harassments were shown on the news, the Metropolitan Police began to take action and at least one arrest has been made.
Unfortunately, this pitiful little far-right mob, intended to drown out the voices of those who oppose Brexit and those on the left, is just one of several new far-right movements bubbling up in the UK, US and elsewhere. Though the noisy ranting mob we have seen on the street are…
