Britain First

Britain First is a far-right, British fascist political party and hate group formed in 2011 by former members of the British National Party (BNP). The group was founded by Jim Dowson, an anti-abortion and far-right campaigner. The organisation's co-leaders are former BNP councillor Paul Golding and Ashlea Simon. Jayda Fransen formerly served as its deputy leader. Britain First is Islamophobic and campaigns primarily against British Muslims and multiculturalism, and advocates the preservation of what it sees to be traditional British culture. It attracted attention by taking direct action such as "Christian patrols" and "invasions" of British mosques. It has been noted for its online activism. It maintains its own security or militia wing, the Britain First Defence Force. Britain First registered with the Electoral Commission on 10 January 2014; in November 2017, it was statutorily deregistered as a political party by the Electoral Commission after it failed to renew its registration in time. It re-registered in September 2021. Britain First has unsuccessfully contested elections to the House of Commons, the European Parliament, local government, and mayoralty of London.