How the Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism Threat Has Evolved
| There are common links between ERWT groups in the UK and Europe (primarily through the Blood and Honour Music scene).
Wider co-operation is rare due to a lack of common ideologies. |
There is increased interaction between a number of ERWT groups online, with an increase in branches of ERWT groups. |
| Recruitment and demographics | |
| 2012 | 2019 |
| Recruitment is mainly via initial contact with outward facing groups such as the British National Party (BNP) and the Blood and Honour music movement.
It usually requires an element of 'real-life' contact. |
The sharp increase in online material promoting Far Right ideology has amplified the radicalisation process.
There is no longer a requirement for 'real-life' contact, or individuals to attend meetings or events in order to be recruited. |
| Members of ERWT groups typically reflect an older demographic, and there is often a strong prevalence of criminality amongst extremist elements. | It is assessed that ERWT groups are attracting a younger demographic. For example, National Action promoted itself as a youth movement and ***. |
| Influencing factors | |
| 2012 | 2019 |
| Reactions to external events (e.g. the 7/7 bombings in London and London riots of 2011) are muted.
There is a lack of prominent charismatic leadership figures, contributing to a largely fragmented ERWT movement. |
It is assessed that ERWT groups and individuals are more reactive to external events; in part driven by increased focus on anti-immigration policies globally, and the Islamist terrorist attacks of 2017.
There remains an absence of prominent charismatic leadership—however, this is now less relevant owing to the increasing influence of online platforms. |
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