Left-Wing Extremism in the UK: The Struggle for Relevance

Luke March*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

This chapter overviews the main actors in the extra-parliamentary left-extremist sphere in the UK. It shows how this sphere has developed from existing under the tutelage of the revolutionary (Trotskyist) left and ‘front’ organizations like the Anti-Nazi League to a more diverse, rhizomatic existence alongside the Global Justice Movement. It highlights current trends marked by the crisis and decomposition of the traditional revolutionary left and the GJM and the emergence of newer non-ideological trends (such as Extinction Rebellion). Though in a period of considerable flux, the scope of action for the left-extremist sphere in the UK remains limited, constrained above all by the dominance over the left spectrum by the Labour party, which though of center-left profile, has traditionally absorbed, articulated and suppressed more radical left trends. With the extreme left’s influence over Labour decreasing markedly after the demise of Jeremy Corbyn, the question remains as to whether this is an opportunity or a threat for the emergence of a more autonomous extreme left sphere.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Palgrave Handbook of Left-Wing Extremism
EditorsJosé Pedro Zúquete
PublisherSpringer
Pages207-221
Number of pages15
Volume1
ISBN (Electronic)9783031308970
ISBN (Print)9783031308963
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 18 Aug 2023

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