Researchers say that ‘cultures of timidity and reticence’ are holding back charities from countering the rising threat of far-right views in the UK.

This is despite most of the 55 NGOs with incomes above £100,000 who were surveyed by researchers warning that such threats have negatively impacted their organisation.

Three quarters of respondents reported “very significant negative effects” or “some serious negative effects” to both their mission and the communities they work with.

“We are facing a clear threat, and yet there is a tendency towards timidity in response,” said researchers.

One respondent said: “Some in our trans network are saying they cannot currently do the media work we support them to do.”

Another said: “The far-right are polarising people against progressive solution.”

Meanwhile, another highlighted the impact of far right propaganda on those it works with.

“Some in the communities we work in are being radicalised and believe migrants/small boats/refugees are to blame for society's ills,” they said.

Researchers add: “The fact that the challenge is multifaceted and the effects are differential is complicating the response, making it hard to mobilise around simple responses.

“However, there are things that can help different NGOs at different stages on the journey towards meaningful action.”

The research Towards Meaningful Action is a follow up to previous research called Meeting the Moment which also looked at the impact on social change organisations of the far right.

Countering far-right threats

Report co-author Jim Coe has also published a document aimed at helping charities’ strategic discussions around the threat of the far right and potential scenarios they could face.

This invites charities to consider how marginalised communities are being impacted and whether fair debate is being hindered.

Questions charities should be asking themselves include “do you need to be doing more to help ensure that the communities you work with, and your staff, are safe and secure?” and “should you be speaking out (more) about prospective threats to your work?”

Researchers point out that their findings support the views of previous research released in recent months into the impact of the far right on the charity sector.

Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK)’s annual report warned in March that the rise of the far as well as societal division, misinformation and hate are among specific challenges charity campaigners face.

Charities responding to an NCVO survey last year “described rising levels of fear, intimidation and online hate”. They also warned of a “pervasive climate of fear”.

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