While we would never reduce the NFB project to anti-fascism there is no doubt such is a key component to our politics, and has been since the beginning. For us the label fascist has to be used carefully, and precisely, not as a mere term of abuse for those whose politics or methods we do not like. For those interested in the detail (as well as a substantiated demolition of many academics in this field whose research falls way below acceptable standards) check out the link to Larry O'Hara's as yet unpublished but still relevant PhD on the subject here: Creating Political Soldiers? The National Front 1986-90. For some reason that is coincidental we are sure, a routine search of the British Library Ethos data-base does not find this PhD easily or at all. But this link will get you to it...
This section of the site has a number of purposes, which to an extent overlap, and is (like much else here) an ongoing organically developing endeavour. One such is exploration of various recent trials involving members/sympathisers of the neo-Nazi group National Action. Watch this space...
We welcome any articles that those looking at this site might care to send, whether for publication here or in the hard copy magazine. We only ask that such work is rigorous, referenced where possible, shows a good understanding of the subject matter, and deepens understanding rather than repeats things from elsewhere.
First, we want to explore the nature of contemporary fascism, especially in Britain. Not because we are narrowly parochial, but because that is where we are based. This exploration has two aspects to it. On the one hand, we intend to put online original historical research often published elsewhere--although not online before-in particular a series of articles in the now defunctly virtual Lobster magazine. On the other hand, we intend to deepen our critique of the generally poor state of research into modern British fascism, most particularly using the medium of book reviews.
Second, we have our own, positive, research agenda concerning UK fascism today, and trust potential mainstream publishers (and media outlets) will be sufficiently intrigued by our hypotheses/research material to contact us and explore ventures/areas of mutual interest, whether books, documentaries or whatever.
Third, we of necessity have our own perspective on the anti-fascist movement, and the most viable strategies for such to adopt. In particular, we welcome approaches that seek to close down fascist's political space and exhibit a working knowledge of fascist strengths (and weaknesses). In that regard, the history of anti-fascism is too important to be left to Searchlight fellow-travellers like Nigel Copsey & 'Dave' Renton. We welcome, needless to say, the Freedom Press publication on the history of Anti-Fascist Action. Fellow-travellers, as you might expect, do not...