The rise of the far right in the UK is a deeply worrying trend, but it’s not a surprising one. With figures like Nigel Farage and his Reform UK Party Ltd making inroads into the political landscape, it’s clear that many people feel disillusioned with the political system. But this is not about blaming people for being pulled into the rhetoric of the far right.
We need to understand their frustrations.
After years of broken promises from mainstream politicians, it’s easy to feel abandoned and voiceless. But the far right is not the solution to these issues – it is, in fact, a dangerous detour that only serves the interests of the powerful.
Reform UK, and figures like Farage, sell a message that appeals to working-class people who feel abandoned by traditional politics. Who can blame someone for turning to a populist message when they feel ignored and left behind? However, when we look at what these figures stand for, we see that they are essentially ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’. They dress up their policies in terms of ‘people-first’ rhetoric, but ultimately promote the interests of the wealthiest in society – the very group that has benefited from policies that left the rest of us struggling.
Reform UK’s focus: dividing, not uniting
While Reform UK and their allies focus on divisive issues such as immigration, claiming it takes away resources from the working class, they are ignoring the real issue: the wealth inequality that continues to grow in our country. Some of the media and politicians may focus on the perceived ‘burden’ of immigration, but this is just a distraction – a tool used to divide us. In reality, immigration can be a net positive, with immigrants contributing far more than they take out of the system.
But the true issue that needs addressing is the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. A fair, progressive, wealth tax would do far more to address the inequalities facing our communities than blaming vulnerable groups like immigrants. The wealthiest individuals and corporations are dodging taxes, holding enormous wealth offshore, and paying far less than their fair share.
This is where the problem lies – not in the working-class communities who are struggling to make ends meet.
The power of communities in building an alternative politics
To offer a real alternative, we must look beyond the rhetoric of the far right and return to the roots of what makes communities strong: solidarity, support, and collective action. This is where we need to focus our efforts – on empowering local communities to stand up for what they need, creating spaces for political action at the grassroots level, and moving away from Westminster-based politics that serve only the rich and powerful.
We cannot rely on national parties to create the change we need. Local communities must lead the way. Here’s how we can do that.
Community building: a return to local political power
The solution to the far right’s rise is not fighting them head-on in a national political contest, but rather rebuilding politics from the bottom up. It’s about creating networks of mutual support that address local issues. Local communities need to engage in political action that impacts their daily lives – issues like affordable housing, accessible healthcare, youth support, and local employment opportunities.
Local councils can play a crucial role in this by investing in public services, promoting sustainable economic development, and addressing housing and homelessness. Councils should focus on long-term planning that benefits the working class, rather than cutting public services in favour of corporate interests. Though of course, with the continual lack of funding for local councils, it can be a challenge to achieve those ambitions.
Yorkshire can build on its strong community organisations
Some good examples of local community organisations in Yorkshire include the Centre for Voluntary Services, based in York. It provides essential support to community groups and volunteers across the region, promoting collective action to address local needs. In Bradford, the Neighbourhood Planning Network has helped communities design their own plans to improve local environments, demonstrating the power of local decision-making. And the Yorkshire and Humber Campaign for Fair Work has been fighting for fair wages and workers’ rights, highlighting how regional activism can lead to tangible change.
These organisations are the kind of grassroots movements that allow local communities to empower themselves and tackle the issues that matter most to them. From local housing issues to workers’ rights, these community groups have been making a real difference.
Empowering young people to lead change
Young people are the future, but they are also the most disillusioned with the current political system. Young people are fed up with empty promises and policies that do not benefit them. It’s time to encourage and empower young people to become involved in the political process and provide them with opportunities to lead.
We must create spaces where young people can learn about the political process, take part in local campaigns, and become advocates for their own future. By getting young people involved, we can create a political environment that values their voices and addresses their concerns.
The Bradford-based young people’s counselling service Step2, and the Sheffield Youth Parliament are just two examples where young people are being given a platform to actively participate in shaping local policies.
Trade unions: workplace representation and community leadership
As a trade unionist, I strongly believe that unions are not just about workplace representation – they must also be embedded within their local communities. Unions have historically been at the forefront of social justice movements, and this legacy must continue. Unions are uniquely positioned to fight for the working class, not just at the bargaining table but also in the streets, in local campaigns, and in community spaces.
Trade unions such as the GMB and Unison, have led the charge in local social justice campaigns, from fighting for better services to lobbying for better living conditions for working people. In Yorkshire, unions have successfully organised local protests demanding better NHS funding and community investment.
In 2021, Yorkshire and the Humber had an unemployment rate of 5.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. More active community campaigning for fair wages and job opportunities, a key focus of trade unions, can help to close this gap.
Working together to create a fairer, more inclusive economy
Trade unions, community groups, and local councils must work together to create an economy that works for the many, not the few. This means advocating for policies that ensure fair wages, affordable housing, and accessible services for everyone.
Unions must continue to challenge the unfair distribution of wealth and power in our society. The richest individuals and corporations must pay their fair share of taxes, and wealth inequality must be addressed head-on. We can do this by advocating for policies like a progressive wealth tax, living wages, and greater investment in public services.
Local campaigns and grassroots movements
To bring about the change we need, we must focus on local campaigns that address the specific needs of our communities. Whether it’s campaigning for better youth provisions, for investment in public transport, or for the restoration of local services, we need to bring politics back to where it matters most: the people.
Local campaigns are powerful because they give people a voice in the political process. By coming together and working towards common goals, we can build a political movement that challenges the status quo and fights for the interests of the working class.
Examples of successful local campaigns in Yorkshire include Leeds Community Foundation which has funded initiatives supporting youth employment, mental health, and housing access, helping to build more resilient communities, and the Sheffield homelessness campaign the Archer Project, which has successfully pressured local councils to increase the availability of affordable housing.
A new politics can be built from the ground up
The rise of the far right is a symptom of a deeper crisis in our political system – a system that has failed the working class and ignored the needs of communities. But we do not need to accept this reality. We can build a new politics – one that is focused on empowering local communities, providing young people with the opportunities they deserve, and ensuring that trade unions are at the heart of the struggle for a fairer society.
It’s time to put an end to the politics of division and work together to create a society that benefits everyone, not just the rich and powerful. By focusing on building communities, empowering young people, and engaging with the political process at the local level, we can create a new politics that is truly for the many, not the few.
This is the future we must fight for – a future where every voice is heard, every community is supported, and the wealth of society is shared equitably. Let’s start building it, together.
