PIED3305 Extreme Right Parties

HOW THE MAINSTREAM CONSERVATIVES IN BRITAIN CO-OPTED IDEAS PREVIOUSLY OWNED BY THE FAR-RIGHT Name of Student Course Name of Professor University Date How the Mainstream Conservatives in Britain Co-Opted Ideas Previously Owned by the Far-Right In recent years, Britain has observed a large increase in mainstream conservatism in its political scene. Mainstream conservatism is described as a commitment to traditional values, free-market economics, and an incremental approach to social progress (Worth, 2022). Far-right beliefs are identified by nationalist zeal, xenophobia, and often very uncompromising positions concerning immigration and national identity, starting from the fringe viewpoint. However, there has been a significant erosion of distinctions between these ideological domains, and therefore, it is necessary to analyze how far-right views have penetrated mainstream conservatism within Britain (Worth, 2022). Even though historically separate, these ideologies have merged in certain policy areas, speech, and political actions. The focus of this essay is to analyze and assess the phenomena of this convergence in terms of mainstream conservative articulation or behavior that mirrors or echoes far-right principles. This essay attempts to dismantle the assimilation of far-right ideas in the national mainstream conservative thinking in Britain. Also, it will look at the possible ramifications for the nation’s political direction and sociological composition through the analysis of certain incidents and ideological similarities. Understanding Mainstream Conservatism in Britain Conservatism has been of principal importance in forming the political landscapes and policies throughout the history of Britain. It originated in the 18th century and has developed concurrently with social and economic developments (Bale, 2018). Conservatism started as a movement that was initially more concerned with the conservation of existing institutions and the fight against any revolutionary attempts. It gained its foothold in society by advocating stability, incremental reform, and the preservation of established social hierarchies (Bale, 2018). In Britain, the mainstream conservatism of Britain’s Conservative Party has been characterized by a commitment to several primary principles. They include fiscal responsibility and free-market economics, individual liberty as the overriding principle, commitment to law and order, and preference for gradual rather than radical societal change. The Brexit choice by the United Kingdom in 2016 is a game-changing phenomenon that embodies how committed all parties were to principles such as national identity and sovereignty. Brexit, which influential members of the senior Conservative politicians supported. It marked a historical phase that matched well with their party’s traditional concern on regaining autonomy and governance (Nevett, 2023). In 2021, the Conservative Party introduced a new bill that showed its desire to shape immigration legislation. This measure conformed to the overall party narrative of border control, which aimed at curtailing illegal immigrants while addressing issues related to labor market strains. In 2021, the Conservatives’ commitment to law and order was raised with various policy initiatives. Such measures included recruiting more police officers and harsher penalties for particular crimes. The implementation of this program was a manifestation of the party’s continued adherence to maintaining conservative values and social order (Nevett, 2023). It helps to demonstrate the evolution of the Conservative Party, focusing on how relevant immigration restrictions, law, order, and national identity are in a modern context. It is also worth noting that Brexit, immigration laws, and policies regarding police and order- overlay each other, suggesting how mainstream conservatism manifests itself in Britain today under the leadership of a conservative party. Far-Right Ideologies and Their Influence on Mainstream Conservatism The far-right ideologies in the UK are broad-based and harbor various beliefs such as nationalism, anti-immigrant sentiments, ethnocentrism, and, most of the time, extremist views. There are many fringe political parties, online communities, and national movements that ideologically hold such opinions (Kallis, 2013). Discussions about cultural conservation, skepticism regarding globalization, and threats to national identity have gained ground in the far-right scene in the United Kingdom. This improvement makes far-right views more apparent in mainstream conservative views. For instance, the mainstream agendas of the Republicans have incorporated anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies (Ungoed-Thomas and Townsend, 2023). Mainstream conservative platforms have embraced themes traditionally associated with far-right movements, such as imagining immigrants as economic risks or emphasizing the significance of tight border controls. It is evident in policy discussions and proposals for immigration reforms put forward after Brexit. The ideological continuum leads to cultural preservation, loss of confidence in globalization, and dilemmas over national identity. It is manifested in marginal political parties, internet forums, and national movements (Longpre, 2016). Moreover, the nature of the interaction between mainstream conservatism and far-right ideologies remains a controversial topic. Conservative Party agendas over the past few years contain anti-immigration policies and terminology, which is a representation of those feeling in line with far-right ideals. In the diplomatic debates, particularly after Brexit, discourses such as branding immigrants as economic threats and emphasizing border controls have been introduced. These most recent events have been victories and defeats for the Conservative Party. In June 2022, the resignation of the Conservative Party chairman following losses in legislative by-elections spotlighted internal issues (Fowles, 2022). However, in November 2023, the party won Old Bexley and Sidcup by-election under Labour. Importantly, the Conservative Party committed to some crucial policy areas in December 2022 when it announced that £36 billion would be allocated over three years for the National Health Service (NHS) (Lawless, 2024). This action represents a major pledge to the National Health Service (NHS), an important aspect of the party strategy. The Rising Integration of Far-Right Ideologies into Mainstream Conservatism in Britain To begin with, conspiracy theories on the far right have become mainstream in conservative conversation. There have been some circles in conservative circles where myths about dark globalist forces trying to undermine national sovereignty, weakening cultural identities, and orchestrating events to subvert traditional values have prevailed (Hamilton, 2015). These formerly fringe points of view have now become a very acceptable notion in popular conversations and media, contributing to an atmosphere of mistrust and hatred. South Wales is a powerful case study showing the outcomes of mainstream conservatism due to Suella Braverman's efforts. Attorney General Braverman was accused of meddling in a rape case involving a gang of young men, the majority of whom are of South Asian background, who are believed to be taking advantage of young girls (Chakrabortty, 2023). Her alleged interference, which listed the accused’s race and cultural background as the decisive factors, created some concerns regarding the politics of the judicial system and the possibilit...