The article highlights the resurgence of far-right movements in Europe, influenced by recent political events like the 2024 election. It draws parallels to the situation in Barking, where the BNP gained power amid declining voter turnout due to public anger towards political indifference. In 2010, this anger led to the defeat of the BNP, emphasizing the importance of politicians addressing voters' concerns, engaging them in discourse, and countering false narratives. The lessons from history advocate for heightened voter engagement and responsiveness to local issues to combat extremism.
Turnout at elections was on the decline. In Barking, east London, the 2001 general election voter turnout was 45.5%, down from 61.7% in 1997.
Anger kept people at home. Anger that the politicians were not listening to what mattered; anger at the loss of local jobs and housing issues.
By 2006 this anger found a home as voters began to turn to the BNP, winning 12 seats in local elections.
We did far too little to challenge some of the blatant lies that the BNP peddled and that spoke to people's frustrations.
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