Britain First - Revision history

Melissa Jones at 04:26, 1 February 2018

2018-02-01T04:26:19Z

Melissa Jones: /* People */

2018-02-01T04:24:03Z

People

Melissa Jones at 10:04, 14 January 2018

2018-01-14T10:04:19Z

Melissa Jones: fixed repeated refs old code error /typos needs update trump etc

2018-01-14T10:02:55Z

fixed repeated refs old code error /typos needs update trump etc

Clementine Boucher: /* High Court ban breach */

2016-12-20T11:48:29Z

High Court ban breach

Clementine Boucher at 09:59, 29 November 2016

2016-11-29T09:59:15Z

Clementine Boucher at 09:28, 29 November 2016

2016-11-29T09:28:30Z

Clementine Boucher: /* High Court ban */

2016-11-29T09:23:50Z

High Court ban

Melissa Jones at 04:44, 29 September 2016

2016-09-29T04:44:58Z

Melissa Jones: typo/links/updated people section/sentence case headings correction

2016-09-29T04:42:27Z

typo/links/updated people section/sentence case headings correction

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:26, 1 February 2018
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	[[Image:IMG_0904.JPG\|300px\|right\|thumb\|[[Paul Golding]] (with loudhailer) and [[Britain First]] supporters at a demonstration on Cricklewood Broadway, London, 18 January 2013. ~~Picture Copyright~~ KilburnHerald.com]]	+	[[Image:IMG_0904.JPG\|300px\|right\|thumb\|[[Paul Golding]] (with loudhailer) and [[Britain First]] supporters at a demonstration on Cricklewood Broadway, London, 18 January 2013. Photo: Kind thanks to KilburnHerald.com]]
	[[Britain First]] is a small far-right political movement founded by ex-[[British National Party]] (BNP) activist [[Jim Dowson]] in 2011.<ref>[http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/hate-groups/bf/ Britain First], ''Hope Not Hate'', accessed 18 January 2014.</ref> While having some similarities with the [[BNP]] and [[EDL]], is more confrontational and militaristic, and places much more importance on the role of Christianity in its ideology.		[[Britain First]] is a small far-right political movement founded by ex-[[British National Party]] (BNP) activist [[Jim Dowson]] in 2011.<ref>[http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/hate-groups/bf/ Britain First], ''Hope Not Hate'', accessed 18 January 2014.</ref> While having some similarities with the [[BNP]] and [[EDL]], is more confrontational and militaristic, and places much more importance on the role of Christianity in its ideology.

@@ Line 77: / Line 77: @@
 ==People==
 [[Image:Britain_first.jpg‎||200px|thumb|right|Britain First logo, circa 2015, Credit: Wikimedia]]
-*[[Paul Golding]] - chairman. Former head of publicity for the [[BNP]]
+*[[Paul Golding]], - chairman. Former head of publicity for the [[BNP]]. Currently on trial in January 2018 for charges of religiously-aggravated harassment.
 *[[Andrew McBride]] – deputy chairman
 *[[Graeme Thomas]] – communications officer <ref>[http://www.britainfirst.org/about-us/people/ People], Britain First, accessed 18 January 2013.</ref>
-*[[Jayda Fransen]] - deputy leader in March 2016 <ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/britain-first-jayda-fransen-twitter_uk_56f9130ee4b0787ff7c9726a Britain First’s Jayda Fransen Is Having A Nightmare On Twitter], ''The Huffington Post'', 28 March 2016, accessed 2 June 2016</ref>
+*[[Jayda Fransen]] - deputy leader since March 2016 <ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/britain-first-jayda-fransen-twitter_uk_56f9130ee4b0787ff7c9726a Britain First’s Jayda Fransen Is Having A Nightmare On Twitter], ''The Huffington Post'', 28 March 2016, accessed 2 June 2016</ref> Currently on trial in January 2018 for charges of religiously-aggravated harassment.
 ===Former===
 *[[Jim Dowson]] – former administration manager who quit the group in 2014

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 ===Debut 2011-2013===
 [[Britain First]] was founded in 2011 by two former members of the [[BNP]], [[Jim Dowson]] and [[Paul Golding]] through the far-right website [[British Resistance]] <ref> [http://thebritishresistance.co.uk/ British Resistance], website, access date ? </ref>
-Other former members of the BNP joined them, including [[Andy McBride]], the regional organiser for the South East, and the Welsh-based former councillor [[Kevin Edwards]]. The group claimed that their aim was to protect British and Christian morality. Golding, Edwards and McBride were named as leader, nominating officer and treasurer respectively. <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, 'Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref> '
+Other former members of the BNP joined them, including [[Andy McBride]], the regional organiser for the South East, and the Welsh-based former councillor [[Kevin Edwards]]. The group claimed that their aim was to protect British and Christian morality. Golding, Edwards and McBride were named as leader, nominating officer and treasurer respectively. <<ref name=frontline/>
 In April 2013, Britain First’s hierarchy launched another political party called [[Protestant Coalition]] in Northern Ireland, with Dowson as leader and Golding as treasurer. Branded as an ‘anti-politics, political party' and joined by prominent loyalist campaigner [[Willie Frazer]], the party, however, claimed to have 'no political ambitions'. <ref>  C. Young, ‘[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/flag-protesters-launch-new-antipolitics-unionist-party-29220215.html - 'Union flag protesters launch new party]’, ''The Belfast Telegraph'', 24 April 2013. Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref>

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 ===Debut 2011-2013===
 [[Britain First]] was founded in 2011 by two former members of the [[BNP]], [[Jim Dowson]] and [[Paul Golding]] through the far-right website [[British Resistance]] <ref> [http://thebritishresistance.co.uk/ British Resistance], website, access date ? </ref>
-Other former members of the BNP joined them, including [[Andy McBride]], the regional organiser for the South East, and the Welsh based former councillor [[Kevin Edwards]]. The group claimed that their aim was to protect British and Christian morality. Golding, Edwards and McBride were named as leader, nominating officer and treasurer respectively. <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, 'Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref> '
+Other former members of the BNP joined them, including [[Andy McBride]], the regional organiser for the South East, and the Welsh-based former councillor [[Kevin Edwards]]. The group claimed that their aim was to protect British and Christian morality. Golding, Edwards and McBride were named as leader, nominating officer and treasurer respectively. <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, 'Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref> '
-In April 2013, Britain First’s hierarchy launched another political party called [[Protestant Coalition]] in Northern Ireland, with Dowson as leader and Golding as treasurer. Branded as an ‘anti-politics, political party' and joined by prominent loyalist campaigner [[Willie Frazer]], the party however, claimed to have 'no political ambitions'. <ref>  C. Young, ‘[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/flag-protesters-launch-new-antipolitics-unionist-party-29220215.html - 'Union flag protesters launch new party]’, ''The Belfast Telegraph'', 24 April 2013. Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref>
+In April 2013, Britain First’s hierarchy launched another political party called [[Protestant Coalition]] in Northern Ireland, with Dowson as leader and Golding as treasurer. Branded as an ‘anti-politics, political party' and joined by prominent loyalist campaigner [[Willie Frazer]], the party, however, claimed to have 'no political ambitions'. <ref>  C. Young, ‘[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/flag-protesters-launch-new-antipolitics-unionist-party-29220215.html - 'Union flag protesters launch new party]’, ''The Belfast Telegraph'', 24 April 2013. Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref>
 Britain First and Protestant Coalition they reportedly fell out in September 2013.<ref>[http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/blog/insider/article/3015/dowson-dumped Dowson dumped], ''Hope Not Hate'', 6 September 2013.</ref>
@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 In the aftermath of the murder, the group posted a video on YouTube where it declared its intention to place [[Anjem Choudary]] under a citizen’s arrest if the police failed to immediately arrest him. For them, Choudary— spokesperson for various proscribed groups including [[Al-Muhajiroun]], [[Ahlus Sunnah awl Jamaah]] and [[Islam4UK]] among others—was responsible for the radicalisation of Rigby’s killers, [[Michael Adebolajo]] and [[Michael Adebowale]], so deserved to be arrested and put on trial. <ref> Britain First Videos, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PThWDFNmN9A, 'ARREST ANJEM CHOUDARY, OR WE WILL!'] 11 June 2013. Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref>
-Chris Allen, a Lecturer in Social Policy in the Institute of Applied Social Studies at the University of Birmingham, states that from that moment onwards, 'Islam and Muslims have become increasingly prominent, both as an integral part of the group’s ideology and also its strategies and actions' (p.356) <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, “Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref>
+Chris Allen, a Lecturer in Social Policy in the Institute of Applied Social Studies at the University of Birmingham, states that from that moment onwards, 'Islam and Muslims have become increasingly prominent, both as an integral part of the group’s ideology and also its strategies and actions' (p.356) <ref name=frontline/>
 During the 2014 European Elections, it registered the phrase ‘Remember Lee Rigby’ with the Electoral Commission, using it on all its campaign material and on voting slips. <ref> ‘[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/04/26/electoral-commission-britain-first-lee-rigby_n_5217680.html - Electoral Commission issues grovelling apology after extremist party, Britain First, uses Lee Rigby slogan]’, ''Huffington Post'', 26 April 2014.  Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref>
@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 On its website in September 2016, Britain First claims that it 'is a loyalist movement: this means that if you are loyal to Queen and Country then you are welcome to join our organisation. “Race” does not feature in our policies or outlook in any way.'
-Further down one can read : 'Britain First is home to thousands of patriots from ethnic minorities from all over the world who share our defence of British values and our opposition to global Islamic jihad.' and 'Our opposition to immigration is based on space, ''not'' race. Britain First is opposed to all mass immigration, regardless of where it comes from – the colour of your skin doesn’t come into it.' <ref> [http://www.britainfirst.org/racism/ Britain First | Racism], ''Britain First'', accessed 18 September 2016</ref>
+Further down one can read: 'Britain First is home to thousands of patriots from ethnic minorities from all over the world who share our defence of British values and our opposition to global Islamic jihad.' and 'Our opposition to immigration is based on space, ''not'' race. Britain First is opposed to all mass immigration, regardless of where it comes from – the colour of your skin doesn’t come into it.' <ref> [http://www.britainfirst.org/racism/ Britain First | Racism], ''Britain First'', accessed 18 September 2016</ref>
 However, [[Chris Allen]] claims that 'this distinction between ‘genuine British citizens’ and by extension, ‘fake’ British citizens—namely, ethnic minorities— illustrates a clear superior–inferior demarcation and also implies that the ‘fakes’ do not deserve to be treated the same as those of ‘us’ who are genuine. In essence, the justification for discriminating against ‘them’ is therefore to safeguard ‘us’.' (p.358) <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, “Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref>
-As opposed to both the [[BNP]] and [[EDL]] however, Christianity appears to play a significant role for Britain First, one that focuses on an apocalyptic end game and ultimately salvation. There seems to exist something of a doomsday prophecy exists within the organisation, where the end of civilisation follows an apocalyptic battle between Christians and Muslims. <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, “Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref>
+As opposed to both the [[BNP]] and [[EDL]] however, Christianity appears to play a significant role for Britain First, one that focuses on an apocalyptic endgame and ultimately salvation. There seems to exist something of a doomsday prophecy exists within the organisation, where the end of civilisation follows an apocalyptic battle between Christians and Muslims. <ref name=frontline/>
 ===Confrontational street actions===
@@ Line 57: / Line 56: @@
 With its great presence on social media, it has emulated a strategy successfully employed by the [[EDL]] and maximised its impact.
-Britain First has a website that is open to all, thereby providing immediate access to anybody wishing to find out more about it, including all of its videos. As is standard practice, the group film all of its members' actions and upload the results to the internet, where they show groups, almost always approximating five to ten members, performing direct actions such as entering mosques, confronting worshippers and imams, and so on. <ref> [http://videos.britainfirst.org Briatin First | Videos], ''Britain First'', accessed 13 September 2016.</ref>
+Britain First has a website that is open to all, thereby providing immediate access to anybody wishing to find out more about it, including all of its videos. As is standard practice, the group film all of its members' actions and upload the results to the internet, where they show groups, almost always approximating five to ten members, performing direct actions such as entering mosques, confronting worshippers and imams, and so on. <ref> [http://videos.britainfirst.org Britain First | Videos], ''Britain First'', accessed 13 September 2016.</ref>
 It also has a Facebook page where it boasts 1,482,999 likes as of September 2016.
 Chris Allen states :
-: 'The number of Facebook likes clearly does not equate to votes in the ballot box, but the impressive number of likes that Britain First has been able to attract not only enhances its populist appeal but provides it with a constant—albeit largely passive—constituency to whom it is able to drip-feed nationalistic and Islamophobic content.(...) It is highly unlikely that this will result in greater numbers of people taking to the streets to join the ‘frontline resistance’, but could mean that its audience will become increasingly receptive to its message.' (p.360) <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, “Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref>
+: 'The number of Facebook likes clearly does not equate to votes in the ballot box, but the impressive number of likes that Britain First has been able to attract not only enhances its populist appeal but provides it with a constant—albeit largely passive—constituency to whom it is able to drip-feed nationalistic and Islamophobic content.(...) It is highly unlikely that this will result in greater numbers of people taking to the streets to join the ‘frontline resistance’, but could mean that its audience will become increasingly receptive to its message.' (p.360) <ref name=frontline/>
 ==Legal issues==
 ===High Court ban===
@@ Line 69: / Line 67: @@
 ====High Court ban breach====
-On September 8th [[Paul Golding]] is investigated over a suspected High Court injunction breach. Activists filmed themselves entering an Islamic centre accused of being home to a 'radical' Imam in Cardiff on January 20, and the leader was reportedly present during this action. <ref> Paul Wright, '[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/britain-first-leader-investigated-over-cardiff-mosque-invasion-suspected-high-court-injunction-1580368 - Britain First leader investigated over Cardiff 'mosque invasion' and suspected High Court injunction breach]' ''International Business Times'', September 8, 2016.  Last Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref> In November 2016, Welsh police said they would take Golding to court following the incident.<ref> Paul Wright, [http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/fresh-crisis-britain-first-police-take-leader-paul-golding-court-over-cardiff-mosque-row-1589569 Fresh crisis for Britain First as police take leader Paul Golding to court over Cardiff mosque row]], ''International Business Times'', 02 november 2016. Accessed 03 November 2016. </ref>
+On September 8th [[Paul Golding]] is investigated over a suspected High Court injunction breach. Activists filmed themselves entering an Islamic centre accused of being home to a 'radical' Imam in Cardiff on January 20, and the leader was reportedly present during this action. <ref> Paul Wright, '[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/britain-first-leader-investigated-over-cardiff-mosque-invasion-suspected-high-court-injunction-1580368 - Britain First leader investigated over Cardiff 'mosque invasion' and suspected High Court injunction breach]' ''International Business Times'', September 8, 2016.  Last Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref> In November 2016, Welsh police said they would take Golding to court following the incident.<ref> Paul Wright, [http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/fresh-crisis-britain-first-police-take-leader-paul-golding-court-over-cardiff-mosque-row-1589569 Fresh crisis for Britain First as police take leader Paul Golding to court over Cardiff mosque row]], ''International Business Times'', 02 November 2016. Accessed 03 November 2016. </ref>
 After stepping down as leader of the group a month before, [[Paul Golding]] was sent to jail for 8 weeks for breaching the High Court order on December 16 2016. <ref> [https://www.rt.com/uk/370407-britain-first-leader-jailed/ Former Britain First leader Paul Golding jailed for breaching mosque ban], ''RT News'', December 16 2016. Accessed December 20 2016. </ref>
 ===Other court hearings===
-In January 2016 Golding was found guilty of harassment of a Muslim woman and of wearing a political uniform signifying association with a political organisation.
+In January 2016 Golding was found guilty of harassment of a Muslim woman and of wearing a political uniform signifying an association with a political organisation.
 In November 2016, a court heard that deputy leader [[Jayda Fransen]], launched a tirade of abuse at Sumayyah Sharpe during a Britain First 'patrol' in Luton on 23 January 2016. <ref> Keiligh Baker,[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3898188/Deputy-leader-Britain-hurled-abuse-Muslim-woman.html Deputy leader of far-right group Britain First 'hurled abuse at a Muslim woman for wearing a hijab while brandishing a white cross in front of her four young children'], ''Mail Online'', 02 November 2016.  Accessed 03 November 2016. </ref>

@@ Line 69: / Line 69: @@
 ====High Court ban breach====
-On September 8th [[Paul Golding]] is investigated over a suspected High Court injunction breach. Activists filmed themselves entering an Islamic centre accused of being home to a 'radical' Imam in Cardiff on January 20, and the leader was reportedly present during this action. <ref> Paul Wright, '[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/britain-first-leader-investigated-over-cardiff-mosque-invasion-suspected-high-court-injunction-1580368 - Britain First leader investigated over Cardiff 'mosque invasion' and suspected High Court injunction breach]' ''International Business Times'', September 8, 2016.  Last Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref> In November 2016, Welsh police said they would take Goldingto court following the incident. Golding fears he could face up to six months in prison if found to have breached the High Court injunction. <ref> Paul Wright, [http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/fresh-crisis-britain-first-police-take-leader-paul-golding-court-over-cardiff-mosque-row-1589569 Fresh crisis for Britain First as police take leader Paul Golding to court over Cardiff mosque row]], ''International Business Times'', 02 november 2016. Accessed 03 November 2016. </ref>
+On September 8th [[Paul Golding]] is investigated over a suspected High Court injunction breach. Activists filmed themselves entering an Islamic centre accused of being home to a 'radical' Imam in Cardiff on January 20, and the leader was reportedly present during this action. <ref> Paul Wright, '[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/britain-first-leader-investigated-over-cardiff-mosque-invasion-suspected-high-court-injunction-1580368 - Britain First leader investigated over Cardiff 'mosque invasion' and suspected High Court injunction breach]' ''International Business Times'', September 8, 2016.  Last Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref> In November 2016, Welsh police said they would take Golding to court following the incident.<ref> Paul Wright, [http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/fresh-crisis-britain-first-police-take-leader-paul-golding-court-over-cardiff-mosque-row-1589569 Fresh crisis for Britain First as police take leader Paul Golding to court over Cardiff mosque row]], ''International Business Times'', 02 november 2016. Accessed 03 November 2016. </ref>
 ===Other court hearings===

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 [[Britain First]] is a small far-right political movement founded by ex-[[British National Party]] (BNP) activist [[Jim Dowson]] in 2011.<ref>[http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/hate-groups/bf/ Britain First], ''Hope Not Hate'', accessed 18 January 2014.</ref> While having some similarities with the [[BNP]] and [[EDL]], is more confrontational and militaristic, and places much more importance on the role of Christianity in its ideology.
-In July 2014, founder [[Jim Dowson]] quit the group and cut its funding, after it released a series of videos showing leader [[Paul Golding]] and others entering mosques and intimidating imams. Dowson said it had been 'overrun' by 'racists and extremists' and said of Golding: 'I think he is fooling himself and lots of people that Britain First is a Christian group. Sadly, it has just become a violent front for people abusing the Bible.'<ref>Nick Sommerlad, [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-first-founder-quits-over-3923810 Britain First founder quits over mosque invasions which attract ''racists and extremists'], ''The Mirror'', 27 July 2014</ref>
+In July 2014, founder [[Jim Dowson]] quit the group and cut its funding, after it released a series of videos showing leader [[Paul Golding]] and others entering mosques and intimidating imams. Dowson said it had been 'overrun' by 'racists and extremists' and said of Golding: 'I think he is fooling himself and lots of people that Britain First is a Christian group. Sadly, it has just become a violent front for people abusing the Bible.'<ref>Nick Sommerlad, [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-first-founder-quits-over-3923810 Britain First founder quits over mosque invasions which attract ''racists and extremists'], ''The Mirror'', 27 July 2014</ref> However, Dowson was reported in late October 2016 to have joined a Bulgarian armed militia called the [[Knights Templar International]] who hunt down and attack refugees crossing into Europe. In a youtube video, he said the Bulgarian border was a frontline in the battle against refugee 'invaders' who he claimed want to take over the world. <ref> Oli Smith, [http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/726823/Britain-First-Bulgarian-militia-hunt-refugees Britain First founder joins Bulgarian militia to hunt down and attack Muslim refugees], ''Express'', 31 October 2016. Accessed 07 November 2016. </ref>
 In January 2016 Golding was found guilty of harassment of a Muslim woman and of wearing a political uniform signifying association with a political organisation.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 [[Image:IMG_0904.JPG|300px|right|thumb|[[Paul Golding]] (with loudhailer) and [[Britain First]] supporters at a demonstration on Cricklewood Broadway, London, 18 January 2013. Picture Copyright KilburnHerald.com]]
-[[Britain First]] is a small far-right political movement founded by ex-[[BNP]] activist [[Jim Dowson]] in 2011.<ref>[http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/hate-groups/bf/ Britain First], Hope Not Hate, accessed 18 January 2014.</ref> While having some similarities with the [[BNP]] and [[EDL]], is more confrontational and militaristic, and places much more importance on the role of Christianity in its ideology.
+[[Britain First]] is a small far-right political movement founded by ex-[[British National Party]] (BNP) activist [[Jim Dowson]] in 2011.<ref>[http://www.hopenothate.org.uk/hate-groups/bf/ Britain First], ''Hope Not Hate'', accessed 18 January 2014.</ref> While having some similarities with the [[BNP]] and [[EDL]], is more confrontational and militaristic, and places much more importance on the role of Christianity in its ideology.
-In July 2014, founder [[Jim Dowson]] quit the group and cut its funding, after it released a series of videos showing leader [[Paul Golding]] and others entering mosques and intimidating imams. Dowson said it had been 'overrun' by 'racists and extremists' and said of Golding: 'I think he is fooling himself and lots of people that Britain First is a Christian group. Sadly, it has just become a violent front for people abusing the Bible.'<ref>Nick Sommerlad, [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-first-founder-quits-over-3923810 Britain First founder quits over mosque invasions which attract ''racists and extremists'], The Mirror, 27 July 2014</ref>
+In July 2014, founder [[Jim Dowson]] quit the group and cut its funding, after it released a series of videos showing leader [[Paul Golding]] and others entering mosques and intimidating imams. Dowson said it had been 'overrun' by 'racists and extremists' and said of Golding: 'I think he is fooling himself and lots of people that Britain First is a Christian group. Sadly, it has just become a violent front for people abusing the Bible.'<ref>Nick Sommerlad, [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-first-founder-quits-over-3923810 Britain First founder quits over mosque invasions which attract ''racists and extremists'], ''The Mirror'', 27 July 2014</ref>
 In January 2016 Golding was found guilty of harassment of a Muslim woman and of wearing a political uniform signifying association with a political organisation.
@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 ==History==
-===Debuts 2011-2013===
+===Debut 2011-2013===
-[[Britain First]] was founded in 2011 by two former members of the [[BNP]], [[Jim Dowson]] and [[Paul Golding]] through the far- right website [[British Resistance]] <ref> [http://thebritishresistance.co.uk/] </ref>
+[[Britain First]] was founded in 2011 by two former members of the [[BNP]], [[Jim Dowson]] and [[Paul Golding]] through the far-right website [[British Resistance]] <ref> [http://thebritishresistance.co.uk/] </ref>
 Other former members of the BNP joined them, including [[Andy McBride]], the regional organiser for the South East, and the Welsh based former councillor [[Kevin Edwards]]. The group claimed that their aim was to protect British and Christian morality. Golding, Edwards and McBride were named as leader, nominating officer and treasurer respectively. <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, “Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref>
@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
 During the 2014 European Elections, it registered the phrase ‘Remember Lee Rigby’ with the Electoral Commission, using it on all its campaign material and on voting slips. <ref> ‘[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/04/26/electoral-commission-britain-first-lee-rigby_n_5217680.html - Electoral Commission issues grovelling apology after extremist party, Britain First, uses Lee Rigby slogan]’, ''Huffington Post'', 26 April 2014.  Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref>
-==Ideology and Strategy==
+==Ideology and strategy==
 ===Ideology===
@@ Line 40: / Line 40: @@
 Further down one can read : 'Britain First is home to thousands of patriots from ethnic minorities from all over the world who share our defence of British values and our opposition to global Islamic jihad.' and 'Our opposition to immigration is based on space, ''not'' race. Britain First is opposed to all mass immigration, regardless of where it comes from – the colour of your skin doesn’t come into it.' <ref> [http://www.britainfirst.org/racism/ Britain First | Racism], ''Britain First'', accessed 18 September 2016</ref>
-However, Chris Allen claims that 'this distinction between ‘genuine British citizens’ and by extension, ‘fake’ British citizens—namely, ethnic minorities— illustrates a clear superior–inferior demarcation and also implies that the ‘fakes’ do not deserve to be treated the same as those of ‘us’ who are genuine. In essence, the justification for discriminating against ‘them’ is therefore to safeguard ‘us’.' (p.358) <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, “Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref>
+However, [[Chris Allen]] claims that 'this distinction between ‘genuine British citizens’ and by extension, ‘fake’ British citizens—namely, ethnic minorities— illustrates a clear superior–inferior demarcation and also implies that the ‘fakes’ do not deserve to be treated the same as those of ‘us’ who are genuine. In essence, the justification for discriminating against ‘them’ is therefore to safeguard ‘us’.' (p.358) <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, “Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref>
 As opposed to both the [[BNP]] and [[EDL]] however, Christianity appears to play a significant role for Britain First, one that focuses on an apocalyptic end game and ultimately salvation. There seems to exist something of a doomsday prophecy exists within the organisation, where the end of civilisation follows an apocalyptic battle between Christians and Muslims. <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, “Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref>
-===Confrontational Street Actions===
+===Confrontational street actions===
 Britain First claims to be both patriotic political party and a street defence organisation. It is conscious that it is filling the void left by the [[BNP]] and [[EDL]] and employs the strategies and ideologies of both groups. It states that the ‘fightback’ against the 'Islamification' of Britain needs to be pursued and that they are the ‘frontline resistance’ committed to it. <ref> [http://www.britainfirst.org/mission-statement/ Britain First | Mission Statement], ''Britain First'', accessed 18 September 2016. </ref> With such a militaristic approach, it is unsurprising to see that their actions are increasingly confrontational and direct, an approach which not only seeks to be intimidating but also highly provocative.
@@ Line 54: / Line 54: @@
 Britain First cultivates a clear and direct militaristic tone and ethos.
-===Use of Social Media===
+===Use of social media===
 With its great presence on social media, it has emulated a strategy successfully employed by the [[EDL]] and maximised its impact.
@@ Line 64: / Line 64: @@
 : 'The number of Facebook likes clearly does not equate to votes in the ballot box, but the impressive number of likes that Britain First has been able to attract not only enhances its populist appeal but provides it with a constant—albeit largely passive—constituency to whom it is able to drip-feed nationalistic and Islamophobic content.(...) It is highly unlikely that this will result in greater numbers of people taking to the streets to join the ‘frontline resistance’, but could mean that its audience will become increasingly receptive to its message.' (p.360) <ref name=frontline> Chris Allen, “Britain First: The ‘Frontline Resistance’ to the Islamification of Britain.” ''The Political Quarterly'' 85, no. 3 (July 1, 2014): 354–61. </ref>
-==High Court Ban==
+==High Court ban==
 In August 2016 [[Britain First]] is banned from Luton and all mosques in England and Wales for the next three years following a High Court case brought by the [[Bedfordshire police]]. The officers accused the anti-Islam party of creating 'community tensions' by their activism. The ban applies to the leaders of the party, but activists for the anti-Islam group are also effectively subject to the ban, as leader Paul Golding, 34, and his deputy Jayda Fransen, 30, are even prohibited from directing their campaigners to the town. This includes its so-called 'Christian patrols'. <ref> Paul Wright, '[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/britain-first-banned-luton-all-mosques-england-wales-after-police-high-court-victory-1576355? - Britain First banned from Luton and all mosques in England and Wales after police High Court victory]', ''International Business Times'', August 16, 2016. Last Accessed 08 September 2016. </ref>
-====High Court Ban Breach====
+====High Court ban breach====
 On September 8th [[Paul Golding]] is investigated over a suspected High Court injunction breach. Activists filmed themselves entering an Islamic centre accused of being home to a 'radical' Imam in Cardiff on January 20, and the leader was reportedly present during this action. <ref> Paul Wright, '[http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/britain-first-leader-investigated-over-cardiff-mosque-invasion-suspected-high-court-injunction-1580368 - Britain First leader investigated over Cardiff 'mosque invasion' and suspected High Court injunction breach]' ''International Business Times'', September 8, 2016.  Last Accessed 13 September 2016. </ref>
 ==People==
 [[Image:Britain_first.jpg‎||200px|thumb|right|Britain First logo, circa 2015, Credit: Wikimedia]]
-*[[Paul Golding]] - Chairman. Former head of publicity for the [[BNP]]
+*[[Paul Golding]] - chairman. Former head of publicity for the [[BNP]]
-*[[Andrew McBride]] – Deputy Chairman
+*[[Andrew McBride]] – deputy chairman
-*[[Jim Dowson]] – Administration Manager
+*[[Graeme Thomas]] – communications officer <ref>[http://www.britainfirst.org/about-us/people/ People], Britain First, accessed 18 January 2013.</ref>
 *[[Jayda Fransen]] - deputy leader in March 2016 <ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/britain-first-jayda-fransen-twitter_uk_56f9130ee4b0787ff7c9726a Britain First’s Jayda Fransen Is Having A Nightmare On Twitter], ''The Huffington Post'', 28 March 2016, accessed 2 June 2016</ref>
 ==Website==
-*http://www.britainfirst.org/  <ref>Britain First's Twitter account reported that its website was offline  'for some unexplained reason' that even its technical team were 'struggling to explain' shortly after it launched a video on 'Christian Patrols' on 2/3 February 2014.  </ref>
+*http://www.britainfirst.org/  <ref>Britain First's Twitter account reported that its website was offline 'for some unexplained reason' that even its technical team were 'struggling to explain' shortly after it launched a video on 'Christian Patrols' on 2/3 February 2014.  </ref>
 ==Social media==