Far Right Ideology

Whilst there isn’t one “official” definition of the far right and the far right is not a monolith, there are common, key characteristics that far right groups share.

Far-right ideology in the UK is not a single movement, but a set of ideas that connect different groups, individuals and cultural trends.

The far right offers a vision of Britain based on exclusion, who belongs and who doesn’t.

Far-right groups usually share some of these core beliefs:

Nationalism: An ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others, for example the belief that Britain should be for “the British,” which is defined in narrow racial or cultural terms. This belief is accompanied by xenophobic, racist and anti-immigrant sentiments. 
 

Racism, Antisemitism and Islamophobia: Prejudice and hostility towards minority groups, often based on race, ethnicity and/or religious identity. Migrants and minority communities are often blamed for economic struggles, social change, and crime.
 

Authoritarianism: Far-right groups tend to believe in “strong” leaders. They repress individual freedom of thought and action, and oppose or undermine democratic principles and practices. They view democracy as weak or corrupt, and argue that only decisive authority can “restore order.”
 

Cultural Nostalgia: Far right groups present a romanticised view of Britain’s past as a symbol of lost greatness, implying that diversity and social change have caused social and economic decline.
 

Opposition to social progress and a rejection of diversity: Many far-right movements reject feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-racist campaigns, viewing them as threats to “traditional values.” Far right movements often believe that some groups are inherently superior to others. This rejection can manifest as instances of racism, misogyny, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination and prejudice. They also support legal or political decisions that disadvantage certain groups.  

Today, far-right ideology in the UK is spread in person, in online spaces and through individual figures. Figures like Tommy Robinson have built large digital followings by presenting themselves as defenders of “free speech” against political correctness.

Online, far-right ideology spreads through memes, videos, playlists, and conspiracy theories. It is packaged not just as politics but as culture, rebellious, edgy, and anti-establishment.

Far-right ideology gains traction because it offers simple answers to complex problems. Economic inequality, political disillusionment, and cultural change create fertile ground for narratives of betrayal, decline, and blame. For some, the far right’s message of pride and belonging feels empowering, even though it is built on division.