Labour's Victory over Far Right in Barking and Dagenham

In the lead-up to the 2010 election, the British National Party (BNP) faced a significant setback in Barking & Dagenham, a result attributed to years of dedicated grassroots campaigning. The BNP had previously capitalized on local concerns regarding immigration and housing shortages, winning 12 out of 13 council seats in 2006. However, a concerted effort by local activists and community organizers, including former Labour MP Sam Tarry, played a crucial role in countering the party's influence. Tarry noted that the campaign's success was not merely due to a single policy but rather the result of extensive groundwork aimed at fostering community cohesion and trust. On one notable day, 541 volunteers distributed 92,000 newspapers, showcasing the campaign's grassroots strength. This effort was complemented by strategic communication initiatives led by McSweeney, who collaborated with Jon Cruddas, the local MP, to enhance trust within the community. The campaign's focus on local issues was paramount, although differing tactics and language approaches sparked debate among organizers. Some questioned the effectiveness of protests, such as marches, in combating the far-right narrative. A senior Labour source emphasized that defeating far-right populism requires a multifaceted approach, echoing sentiments from McSweeney and current Labour leader Keir Starmer. The experience in Barking & Dagenham serves as a reminder that sustained effort and community engagement are essential in the fight against rising far-right sentiments, underscoring the importance of learning from past successes.