Patriotic Alternative, a far-right organization in the United Kingdom, has been thrust into the spotlight following an undercover investigation by a BBC reporter. The group, formed by Mark Collett, a former press officer for the British National Party (BNP), claims to raise awareness of immigration issues and promote family values. With approximately 500 members and thousands of online followers, this organization operates through regional branches across the UK. However, recent revelations have exposed a darker side to their activities.
The undercover reporter, posing as a new recruit, spent a year attending Patriotic Alternative's demonstrations and events. During this time, the reporter captured members sharing extreme views, some of which included racist and violent comments. The investigation paints a troubling picture of the organization's internal dynamics and the rhetoric perpetuated by its members.
One prominent member, Aaron Watkins, disclosed to the undercover reporter that he had destroyed his old phone to avoid scrutiny from anti-terrorism detectives. Watkins also made incendiary comments, suggesting that migrants should be shot. In a similar vein, Joe Marsh, another member, revealed preparations to arm himself by purchasing a pump-action shotgun. Marsh asserted that migrants were responsible for knife crime, further contributing to the hostile narrative against immigrants.
"If you didn't have Jamaicans and Africans here stabbing people, we wouldn't have any knife crime," – Joe Marsh
The undercover investigation also captured comments from Blair Cottrell, who articulated extreme views on violence as a response to crimes attributed to migrants.
"An old lady was stabbed to death by a gang of African kids. When you look at the way things happen in Africa, the only language they understand is violence," – Blair Cottrell
Cottrell's remarks further escalated, suggesting brutal responses to crime.
"The only way to effectively respond to a crime that they've committed as heinous as what I described is to literally skin them," – Blair Cottrell
Despite these alarming disclosures, Patriotic Alternative's leader, Mark Collett, maintains that the group's mission is to advocate for indigenous Britons' rights and to campaign against perceived national issues.
"We're people that advocate for the rights of indigenous Britons and we are people that are campaigning now against what is going on in this country," – Mark Collett
Collett has indicated that any breaches of the organization's code of conduct will be addressed.
"If people have breached that code of conduct, then we will deal with that in due course," – Mark Collett
The UK government has expressed its commitment to tackling extremism. A spokesperson for the Home Office emphasized ongoing efforts to work with law enforcement and community partners.
"We work closely with law enforcement, local communities and our international partners to tackle groups and individuals who sow division and hatred," – Home Office spokesperson
Former Counter-Extremism Commissioner Dame Sara Khan has urged the government to reassess the legal framework governing such organizations. She argues for urgent legal reforms to render groups like Patriotic Alternative illegal.
Legal experts have also weighed in on the revelations. Ramya Nagesh, a legal analyst, highlighted the potential for police investigation based on the evidence gathered during the undercover operation.
"There's more than enough evidence for the police to investigate and refer to the Crown Prosecution Service," – Ramya Nagesh
While Patriotic Alternative organizes events such as demonstrations and summer camps to further their agenda, concerns over their activities continue to grow. Members like Joe Marsh have suggested strategic locations for protests.
"People shouldn't be calling demos at mosques… if you are going to do one, outside a migrant hotel or in the town centre," – Joe Marsh
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