The article discusses the alarming resurgence of far-right ideologies, specifically focusing on Colin Jordan, a pivotal figure in British neo-Nazism after World War II. Politicians like Sadiq Khan have drawn parallels between today’s political climate and the 1920s and 30s, cautioning against the rise of fascism. The West Midlands, particularly Birmingham, has been a significant backdrop for far-right movements.
Jordan, born in 1923, was influenced by his family’s views and formative experiences in Nazi Germany. He played a critical role in promoting antisemitism and racist ideologies, forming the White Defence League and later the National Socialist Movement. His rallies often turned violent and he became notorious for his fascist stunts, which thrust him into the national spotlight.
Though he faced considerable opposition, Jordan’s extreme views resonated with a segment of British society feeling threatened by immigration. His actions contributed to the broader narrative of right-wing politics, evidenced by subsequent events like Peter Griffiths’ election campaign, which exploited racial tensions.
Today, while overt Nazism is largely unacceptable, far-right rhetoric continues to seep into mainstream discourse, echoing Jordan’s strategies but packaged more subtly. The article concludes by foreshadowing further exploration of contemporary far-right movements in Birmingham, notably the BNP’s shift to Islamophobia.
