Former BNP activist trains children for violent confrontation with the state

In Sussex, England, a former British National Party activist named Matt Single has been conducting controversial activities aimed at training children for perceived conflict against the British state. Since the inception of his organization, Hope Sussex, in 2021, he has attracted attention for his unconventional methods, which some authorities suspect could classify the organization as an illegal school. Describing his activities as part of a movement to empower children against state oppression, Single's approach has included training in the use of explosive arrowheads and gas-powered air pistols, which he has dubbed necessary measures against what he considers state propaganda. Reports indicate that Single has encouraged children to participate in various lessons involving hazardous materials and tactics, framing these experiences as essential for their education in a 'malevolent' state environment. During one of the most alarming demonstrations, he was seen firing explosive arrowheads at targets in front of children, insisting that they prepare for actions beyond simple protests. This controversial approach has raised serious concerns among parents and educational authorities alike, as the standards of care and education provided to the children remain questionable. Despite being accused of running an illegal school due to his methods of teaching and the size of the group involved, Single has defended his establishment by claiming it is merely a community center for home-educating families, thus seeking to distance himself from formal educational scrutiny. The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) has taken an interest in the situation but is currently not investigating the activities at Hope Sussex deeply. Previous inquiries indicate doubt over whether the organization meets legal definitions of educational institutions. Further complicating the narrative, Single has made statements about his admiration for authoritarian figures such as Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, which aligns with his framing of the activities at Hope Sussex as part of a broader ideological struggle against Western governments. This portrayal has drawn criticism from multiple factions within society, emphasizing a growing divide in perceptions about education, safety, and the roles of authority and dissent.