The underlying “anger, prejudice, and misinformation” that fueled widespread disorder last year remains a potent threat, potentially escalating again given the right circumstances, according to a leading anti-fascist organization.

Joe Mulhall, research director at Hope Not Hate, characterizes the current climate as “very, very febrile,” noting that the summer 2024 unrest marked the most extensive period of far-right violence in post-war British history. This assessment underscores a deeply concerning societal fragility.

Last year’s significant social unrest, particularly in parts of the UK following the Southport murders on July 29, was ignited by the rapid spread of false online rumors alleging the suspect was an asylum seeker who had arrived by boat. This highlights the dangerous impact of digital misinformation on real-world events.

Dr. Mulhall asserts that this disorder exemplifies the contemporary far-right: a vast network of decentralized online and offline groups, extending far beyond traditional organizations. This evolving structure makes it particularly challenging to monitor and counteract.

While some initially perceived the online mobilization as empowering, the prolonged period of watching “traumatic stuff,” including individuals being assaulted and dragged from vehicles over 11 days, left many deeply traumatized. The public sentiment remains one of intense fury.

This anger persists, and in some cases, has intensified, exacerbated by ongoing economic conditions under the current Labour government. Such underlying grievances mean that a “trigger event”—like the alleged incident in Epping—can very quickly ignite widespread unrest.

Multiple demonstrations have recently occurred outside an Epping hotel housing asylum seekers since July 13, prompted by an asylum-seeker being charged with allegedly attempting to kiss a 14-year-old girl. Essex Police reported an “escalation of violence” during protests on July 13, 17, 20, and 24, involving hundreds.

Over a dozen men have been charged with various offenses, from violent disorder to failing to remove a face covering, underscoring the legal consequences of such unrest. Hope Not Hate identified 17 planned protests over the next ten days, raising significant concerns about potential further escalations.