Keir Starmer confronts far-right extremism crisis in UK

Just over a month into his tenure, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is facing an extremely serious crisis.

After spending 14 years in opposition, the Labour government now finds itself dealing with a volatile mix of insecurity, immigration issues and right extremism — three highly contentious elements in today’s political landscape. Far right riots have erupted in England and Northern Ireland over the week targeting immigrants through disturbing displays of anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments fueled by misinformation circulating on social media.

The outbreak of violence occurred after a knife attack at a dance club in Southport, northwest England, which resulted in the deaths of three young girls on July 29. False reports began circulating that the perpetrator of the Southport attack was a 17-year-old migrant who had entered the UK illegally. This misinformation quickly spread online, inaccurately portraying the attacker as an immigrant and framing the incident as an act of terrorism.

Extremist groups with right and anti-immigrant ideologies capitalized on this tragedy to advance their own agendas. Despite efforts by law enforcement to debunk these claims, the narrative gained momentum fueling anger and rallying extremists. 

The protests that originated in Southport have spread to towns and cities across the UK, such as Liverpool, Bristol, Manchester and Rotherham. Initially focused on immigration issues, these demonstrations have evolved into displays of extremism on a broader expression of far-right extremism. Rioters have targeted hotels housing asylum-seekers, clashed with police and vandalized public property, revealing the deep-seated divisions within British society.

This recent wave of turmoil highlights the escalating tensions surrounding immigration policies, racial issues and national identity in the UK. The acts of violence and destruction witnessed underscore a concerning shift towards beliefs fueled by misinformation and fear. This situation mirrors a trend seen across Europe where similar sentiments of dissatisfaction and radicalization are gaining ground. 

Keir Starmer, who ascended to power largely due to the Conservative Party’s decline rather than a groundswell of public support, now faces the daunting challenge of a resurgent far-right movement marked by unprecedented violence.

This extremist faction, while not entirely new — echoes of the National Front in the 1970s and the British National Party in the 2000s come to mind — has remained largely outside the realm of mainstream parliamentary debate. This movement, though historically marginalized by the UK’s first-past-the-post electoral system that often sidelines minority parties, has gained momentum through digital platforms.

The recent support from the xenophobic Reform UK party, which secured 14 percent of the vote in the July 4 elections, underscores the growing political influence of extremist rhetoric. Reform UK’s leader, Nigel Farage, known for his Brexit advocacy, is further stoking the flames by casting doubt on the police’s handling of the Southport tragedy.  

Farage’s deft manipulation of social media is intensifying the convergence of Reform UK, segments of a radicalized Conservative Party, and the extra-parliamentary far-right. His strategic use of digital platforms is not merely fueling this alliance but also blurring the lines between these disparate factions, thereby amplifying their collective influence. This toxic convergence is not merely an alarming political phenomenon but a dangerous societal shift. “What you’ve seen on the streets of Hartlepool, London or Southport is nothing compared to what could happen over the course of the next few weeks,” Farage threatened.  

The recent unrest in the UK highlights the growing power of right groups, which have become more assertive and organized. These groups have skillfully exploited social media to spread misinformation and provoke violence creating a tense situation that the government must address promptly.

The challenge extends beyond law enforcement; it requires a comprehensive strategy that promotes social cohesion and counters extremist narratives. While the new Labour government is demonstrating a firm stance against the perpetrators of these violent riots, the pressing question remains: Will it be able to stem the tide of this aggressive right-wing surge that has spread across much of England — and Europe?

Starmer faces the challenge of not only addressing violence and divisive narrative but also tackling a political landscape influenced by these far-right elements. Starmer’s response must be twofold: a robust law enforcement strategy to quell the immediate violence and a comprehensive approach to heal the underlying societal rifts. This balance is crucial not only for restoring peace but also for reaffirming the UK’s commitment to inclusivity and social justice. 

Imran Khalid is a geostrategic analyst and freelance writer. He is a physician and has a master’s degree in international relations.