Group that emerged from Tory party hosts forum for Britain’s far right

A recent private conference hosted by the Traditional Britain Group (TBG) in London has stirred considerable attention as it brought together various figures from Britain’s fragmented far-right movement.

Ben Quinn spoke to attendees about the gathering, which featured representatives from the extreme nationalist Homeland party, as well as participants from rival groups such as Patriotic Alternative. Notable speakers included Gerold Otten, a member of Germany’s Bundestag for the rising Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, and Lynda Rose, an Anglican priest and CEO of a Christian advocacy group. Also presenting was David Clews, a former Conservative councillor known for running a conspiracy theory website that has been linked to misinformation during recent riots.

The TBG originated from a faction of the Conservative party, founded by a former officer of the Monday Club after the party distanced itself from them. Their prominence increased after then-MP Jacob Rees-Mogg attended their annual dinner, an association he later regretted and described as a mistake.

At the TBG’s annual conference held at the upscale St Ermin’s hotel in Westminster, attendees included members of the Homeland party, which is perceived as one of the most dangerous factions within the British far-right landscape. Among them were Kenny Smith, a former BNP activist with a criminal record related to firearms, and Anthony Burrows, a parish councillor who lost his shotgun license due to concerns over his far-right affiliations.

Rose emphasized her lack of awareness regarding the affiliations of other attendees, stating, “I have no knowledge of the affiliations of members within the Traditional Britain Group.” She attended primarily to discuss the work of the Commission of Inquiry into Discrimination Against Christians (CIDAC), which was commissioned by her organization, Voice for Justice UK.

Researcher group Red Flare highlighted the presence of various far-right activists at the conference, labeling it a networking opportunity for extremists within the British and European far right. A spokesperson from Red Flare commented on the dangerous nature of the Homeland party and criticized the gathering’s attempt to lend a veneer of respectability by hosting an event in a luxury hotel.

In rebuttal, a TBG spokesperson described the group as a “traditional real Tory group” and asserted their right to host such events in a free society, inviting a diverse audience to hear their speakers.

Otten, who also serves on the German parliament’s defense committee, spoke on topics including Germany’s defense capabilities and the war in Ukraine, dismissing the label of “far right” and positioning AfD as a “national conservative” party.

The Marriott Group, which owns St Ermin’s, stated, “Acceptance of business does not indicate support or endorsement of any group or individual,” while the Homeland Party maintained that their identity is rooted in ethnicity rather than skin color, claiming it encompasses distinct groups with their own cultures and histories.