Overview

‘A brilliant and challenging book’ GORDON BROWN From the founder of Britain’s leading antifascist organisation, HOPE not hate, this is an urgent call to resist the forces of extremism on the march in Western societies – and how to go about it. If you’re shocked and disconcerted by the rise of intolerance and hate, you’re not alone. Drawing from 35 years of campaigning and journalism, Nick Lowles shows how anti-immigration, antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks have proliferated in the modern world, and how Britain – with the likes of Tommy Robinson and the growth of Reform UK – has been far from immune from far-right politics. From HOPE not hate’s pioneering campaigns against the BNP in east London to the impact of the ‘manosphere’ and the issues in Netflix's Adolescence; from explorations of the pernicious influence of ‘race science’ and conspiracy theory to the interplay of deprivation and intolerance in Britain’s deindustrialised towns, Lowles entwines his inspirational story with hard-won lessons from decades of activism. His conclusions – which do not shy away from awkward truths for campaigners – suggest practical ways for the far right to be defeated. And he shares powerful examples – from a participant-led youth club in Hull to Syrian refugees connecting with local people over falafel in Bradford – of finding the joy in showing that, hard as it can seem, HOPE can triumph over hate.

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9780008772970

Table of Contents

Reviews

‘A brilliant and challenging book with very insightful analysis that not only gets to the heart of what’s led to the rise of the far right, but is original in its plan for how to combat this new extremism.’ Gordon Brown ‘Nick Lowles has been at the coal face of fighting hate in all its forms for decades. He is a linchpin in the fight against facism. No one else has more knowledge or expertise in how to defeat hatred. An essential read.’ Akeela Ahmed, CEO of British Muslim Network ‘If you’re worried about the rise of racism and extremism in Britain then read this book. Nick Lowles delivers a powerful and timely warning: when economic hope disappears intolerance takes its place. But he also reminds us that when we come together across our differences we can win real, positive change.’ Paul Nowak, General Secretary TUC ‘Nick Lowles has led the fight in the UK against the far right for more than three decades. There are few people who understand what is going on within the well organised groups that seek to undermine our social fabric. But Nick also understands the reason why this is happening. And why the far right is once again gaining ground. And crucially he discusses what must be done about it.’ Alison Phillips, former Daily Mirror editor ‘As populism rises and the far right ramps up its activity, the work of HOPE not hate is so vital. But just as important is learning the lessons about what works in fighting hate – and they are so well set out by Nick Lowles in this brilliant book. His findings are rightly challenging for all those concerned about far-right politics but they must not be ignored.’ Enver Solomon, CEO Refugee Council ‘A source of hope and inspiration.’ Paul Mason, author of How to Stop Fascism ‘HOPE not hate’ s work is indispensable.’ Angela Saini, author of Superior

‘Nick Lowles embodies the vital role activist investigative journalism can play in combatting extremism. Under his leadership HOPE not hate has meticulously documented the threat posed by fascist groups, providing crucial information for policymakers and the public alike. Their work is a source of hope and inspiration.’ Paul Mason, author of How to Stop Fascism 'HOPE not hate has been instrumental is shining a big bright light on the far right in Britain – on how they've infected politics, from our streets all the way to parliament. Its members have dedicated their lives to exposing how commonplace extreme views are. Britain is a scary place to live right now as an ethnic minority, and HNH provide me just that … hope, that we can collectively unite and defeat fascism, bigotry and racism on our streets urgently.' Nikesh Shukla, editor of The Good Immigrant ‘HOPE not hate has long occupied a vital place as a watchdog of the far-right in Britain, and its work is indispensable now as the country risks inviting racists and nativists into its democratic institutions. Its investigations have been a reminder of how close to the brink we really are.’ Angela Saini, author of Superior

‘A brilliant and challenging book with very insightful analysis that not only gets to the heart of what’s led to the rise of the far right, but is original in its plan for how to combat this new extremism.’ Gordon Brown 'Lowles’s memoir-cum-manual … is a troubling read.' Guardian ‘If you’re worried about the rise of racism and extremism in Britain then read this book. Nick Lowles delivers a powerful and timely warning: when economic hope disappears intolerance takes its place. But he also reminds us that when we come together across our differences we can win real, positive change.’ Paul Nowak, General Secretary TUC ‘Nick Lowles has led the fight in the UK against the far right for more than three decades. There are few people who understand what is going on within the well organised groups that seek to undermine our social fabric. But Nick also understands the reason why this is happening. And why the far right is once again gaining ground. And crucially he discusses what must be done about it.’ Alison Phillips, former Daily Mirror editor ‘As populism rises and the far right ramps up its activity, the work of HOPE not hate is so vital. But just as important is learning the lessons about what works in fighting hate – and they are so well set out by Nick Lowles in this brilliant book. His findings are rightly challenging for all those concerned about far-right politics but they must not be ignored.’ Enver Solomon, CEO Refugee Council ‘Nick Lowles has been at the coal face of fighting hate in all its forms for decades. He is a linchpin in the fight against fascism. No one else has more knowledge or expertise in how to defeat hatred. An essential read.’ Akeela Ahmed, CEO of British Muslim Network ‘A source of hope and inspiration.’ Paul Mason ‘HOPE not hate’ s work is indispensable.’ Angela Saini

Author Information

Nick Lowles MBE is the founder and Chief Executive of HOPE Not Hate, an advocacy group based in the United Kingdom which campaigns against racism and fascism and emerged from the anti-fascist magazine Searchlight. Nick's mum arrived from Mauritius in 1961 and he grew up in Hounslow before the family moved to Shrewsbury at the age of 10. Having experienced street racism as a child, Lowles got involved with the anti-fascist movement as a student volunteer at Sheffield University. He was previously a freelance investigative journalist, working in television, including on BBC Panorama, World in Action, Channel Four Dispatches and MacIntyre Undercover. Between 1999 and 2011 Lowles was co-editor, and then editor, of Searchlight magazine. He was awarded an MBE in 2016 for his services in tackling extremism. He can be found on X as @lowles_nick

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