Hope not Hate, an anti-racism, anti-fascism based charity has published research outlining the key trends and changes in domestic far right in Britain. State of HATE 2022 shows how the past year has led to an environment in which we will likely see the return of far-right activists back on the streets, standing in elections and exploiting the uncertainties created by economic hardship.

After years in the political wilderness, the crises we’ve collectively faced over the past two years have emboldened cynical far right activists to exploit our fears and uncertainties and return to traditional methods of campaigning.

The report predicts that the growing unease in society could be exploited by far-right extremists. Polling shows that 80% of people now have less disposable income than they did a year ago, and 68% now believe that Britain is ‘going in the wrong direction’.

State of HATE 2022 outlines ways in which the far-right threat is now pervading all aspects of our society, but also the steps we can take to stop blatant far right rhetoric and conspiracy theories becoming part of normal discourse and prevent fascists and extremists from dividing our society.

Key Takeaways

1. 2021 saw a significant rise in offline activities staged by the far right such as leafleting, demonstrations and banner drops. This is something we expect will continue in 2022.
2. A mixture of political distrust, the impact of the pandemic and the associated growth in conspiracy and anti-authority beliefs, and the cost-of-living crisis has created fertile ground for the growth of right-wing ideas.
3. Faith in democracy and the political establishment is at an all time low. Over half of people we polled are not satisfied with the way democracy is working in the UK. Nearly three quarters do not feel that politicians listen to them.
4. Fitness, wellness and health has become a key aspect of the far-right scene – extreme groups have increased recruitment of new members by framing fascism as a route to self-improvement.
5. Racism and racial abuse continues to be an all too common experience for many from minority communities. More than half of respondents in our research had witnessed or experienced racial abuse in the last 12 months.
6. Anti-migrant activisms has remained a key focus for the far right, with 125 visits by ‘migrant hunters’ to hotels in the past year.

Click here to download the State the Hate report