The Rise of Far-Right Extremism, Misogyny, and the Shifting Political Landscape in the UK & beyond.

A recent undercover investigation has exposed Active Club England (ACE), a rapidly growing neo-Nazi group combining fitness training with extremist ideology to recruit and radicalise young men. While its core focus is white supremacist and nationalist rhetoric, its underlying views on gender align with the rigid, patriarchal ideals common among far-right movements.

Active Club England: A Neo-Nazi Group Preparing for Violence

ACE promotes itself as a brotherhood dedicated to “the English people and our continued existence in our ancestral homelands.” However, investigative reporting has uncovered its true nature—a group training for racial conflict. Members participate in boxing, MMA, and fitness programs, not just as recruitment tools but as preparation for violent action.

Despite its efforts to appear as a self-improvement group, ACE’s internal culture is steeped in anti-Semitism, neo-Nazism, and violent rhetoric. Reporters found members discussing weapons, celebrating Hitler’s birthday with a swastika cake, and using encrypted apps like Threema to communicate. Leadership ensures members remain within legal limits publicly while privately encouraging radicalisation. The group has transnational connections, linking to neo-Nazi organisations in the U.S. and Europe.

Following the investigation, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called for urgent action against ACE, citing its links to criminal activity and the growing far-right threat in the UK.

Misogyny and the Far-Right Connection

Although the investigation did not explicitly address ACE’s stance on women, its ideology likely mirrors traditional far-right beliefs: rigid gender roles, male dominance, and opposition to feminism. Women in such circles are viewed primarily as mothers and caretakers, responsible for upholding family and national identity.

This aligns with broader cultural shifts reflected in a recent Channel 4 survey, which found a rise in anti-feminist sentiment among young men in the UK. The report highlights concerning trends, including:

• 45% of men aged 13-27 believe that promoting women’s equality has gone “too far” and now discriminates against men.

• 42% of men trust influencers like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson as much as traditional news sources.

• 58% of respondents trust social media posts from friends more than established news outlets.

Figures like Andrew Tate, who openly espouse misogyny, have gained fanatic followings, feeding into this cultural shift. Tate’s influence reflects the broader intersection of far-right extremism and male disillusionment with modern gender dynamics.

The Trump Administration and the Normalisation of Misogynistic Extremism

The normalisation of figures like Tate extends beyond social media. Reports suggest that the Trump administration has pressured Romania to lift Tate’s travel restrictions, despite his ongoing legal battles over allegations of human trafficking and money laundering. U.S. officials, including Richard Grenell, have allegedly intervened on behalf of the Tate brothers, reinforcing their status as political martyrs among their followers.

The growing alignment between far-right politics and the legitimisation of misogynistic figures fuels an already volatile landscape. It further emboldens young men who feel “targeted” by societal changes, as seen in the Channel 4 survey. One 25-year-old man from Cornwall expressed that he believed he was now at risk of discrimination for being a “regular straight white man.”

A Troubling Shift Towards Authoritarianism

The rise of groups like ACE, the mainstreaming of extremist influencers, and the growing political disillusionment among Gen Z are not isolated issues. A recent survey of 3,000 UK adults found alarming trends regarding attitudes toward democracy and authoritarianism:

• 52% believe the UK would be better off with a “strong leader who does not have to bother with parliament and elections.”

• 33% support military rule, believing the country would function better if “the army was in charge.”

• 47% feel radical change is needed through revolution.

Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4, has warned that Gen Z is paradoxically “the most authoritarian and the most liberal generation,” with disengagement from democracy fuelling susceptibility to online radicalisation.

The Path Forward

The intersection of far-right extremism, the rise of misogynistic figures, and the increasing appeal of authoritarianism signals a dangerous shift in the UK’s sociopolitical landscape. Radicalization via social media, disillusionment with democracy, and a growing gender divide create fertile ground for extremist movements.

This calls for urgent governmental and societal intervention, including:

1. Strengthening counter-extremism measures to combat groups like ACE.

2. Regulating social media platforms to curb the spread of radical ideologies.

3. Promoting education and critical thinking to counter misinformation.

4. Addressing gender-based grievances to prevent further polarisation.

The normalisation of extremism—whether racial, political, or gender-based—poses a severe threat to democracy and social cohesion. Without immediate action, the UK risks further radicalisation and division, making extremist ideologies even harder to dismantle.