Recent riots have erupted across various cities in Britain, largely fueled by far-right groups, following the tragic stabbing deaths of three young girls during a dance lesson in Southport, North West England. The initial lack of information about the 17-year-old attacker, who was later revealed to be a Welsh national with Rwandan heritage, led to widespread misinformation online, sparking violent clashes, according to the New York Times.

The unrest has been stoked by several far-right organizations. David Miles, a key figure in the fascist group Patriotic Alternative, was reported to have shared images from Southport, while other groups, including the neo-Nazi British Movement, have propagated details about the protests through social media. The demonstrations have also attracted individuals linked to soccer hooliganism, which has historically been associated with nationalist movements in Britain.

A notable player in the current unrest is the English Defense League (EDL), a far-right movement known for its violent protests and anti-Islamic rhetoric. Formed in 2009 in Luton, the EDL emerged in response to extremist Islamic activities in the area. Despite Yaxley-Lennon's (aka Tommy Robinson) announcement of leaving the EDL in 2013 and the group's subsequent disbandment, many of its former members remain active in other nationalist groups. Robinson, previously convicted for leading riots, has recently used his social media platforms to spread false information about the Southport attacker, contributing significantly to the unrest.

Robinson’s disinformation campaign, which he orchestrated from a hotel in Cyprus, has been widely shared, with his posts fueling anti-Muslim sentiment. His colleague, Laurence Fox, has also amplified this rhetoric, claiming a "war" against migrant "barbarians," with his inflammatory posts reaching millions.

Matthew Feldman, an expert on right-wing extremism, notes that the EDL represents a new phase in far-right politics characterized by direct action and digital coordination rather than traditional political engagement. This shift is evident in the recent riots, where social media platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook have been instrumental in organizing and mobilizing participants.

Although no large formal organization appears to be orchestrating the riots, far-right disinformation has inspired many participants. Hope Not Hate highlights that while most rioters may not belong to traditional far-right groups, their actions are driven by far-right narratives.

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has condemned the recent violence, distancing itself from the unrest despite criticism for spreading conspiracy theories about the Southport attack. Farage has previously criticized hotels housing migrants, which have been targeted during the protests.

The violence is rooted in longstanding issues surrounding immigration. Recent public discontent has been exacerbated by high-profile cases of illegal migration, notably through the English Channel. This issue was a focal point in the recent parliamentary elections, with promises to address illegal migration and housing costs for asylum seekers. The frustration over immigration policies, coupled with rising living costs and perceived government failures, has intensified the unrest, reflecting broader nationalist and anti-immigrant sentiments, as noted by sociologist Stephanie Alice Baker.

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