YOU may be unsure how to introduce a new friend to your existing friendship group, especially if they’re a far-right activist. Here’s how I make sure everyone gets along just fine.
Make sure they’re not excluded from conversations
Even if your friends aren’t cliquey, outsiders can feel left out of inside jokes. So if Emma is talking about her latest problem with her awful boss, steer the conversation onto a topic everyone can join in with, eg. ‘Who’s sick of the Muslims taking over?’
Discuss shared hobbies
Hobbies are a fantastic ice-breaker, so be sure to mention those. My new friend Eddy Butler isn’t just a far-right ‘activist’, he’s actually a keen amateur ‘Ripperologist’. So that’s a great conversation starter, assuming your friends love stupid conspiracy theories and horrifically murdered prostitutes.
Overcome people’s prejudices about the far-right
It’s easy to jump to conclusions when someone says ‘former member of the BNP’. Your friends will be imagining a scary shaven-headed man with hateful opinions about minorities. Okay, that’s Eddy to a tee, but it’s not like he’s been accused of Holocaust denial. That was just Nick Griffin.
Reassure your friends they won’t get arrested
After the recent arrests of Palestine Action members, your friends may be worried about associating with extremists. But luckily in Britain in 2025 hanging out with thugs and racists at protests is fine, and opposing genocide is the real crime. I never thought I’d say this, but well played, Sir Keir.
Organise a film night
Films are a good way to get to know someone’s tastes, so have a film night. Just be careful what you choose, because if it’s Made In Britain, Romper Stomper or American History X your new friend might get too enthusiastic and start cheering on the skinhead anti-hero. Or think you’re taking the piss and kick your head in.
Dispel any ugly Combat 18 rumours
People might claim your friend was a member of the BNP’s Nazi splinter group Combat 18. In fact they seem pretty convinced of it with Eddy. But there’s no way someone would associate with Hitler supporters when they’re already a member of a respectable organisation like the BNP.
Share ideas for activities
A new friend can stop you getting into a rut. Instead of going to the same old pubs and restaurants, why not broaden your friends’ horizons by attending a demonstration full of racists wearing ‘Send them back’ t-shirts? I know which I’d prefer, but then I’m a despicable little twat who’ll do anything to suck up to bigots.
