The Guardian conducted an investigation into the activities of a new anti-migrant movement, the Patriot Platform, over the course of one week. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing The Guardian.
What is the Patriot Platform?
The Patriot Platform is a new anti-migrant movement. Journalists from The Guardian observed its work for a week and noted that the organisation combines elements of a militaristic operation and influencer culture. According to the publication, there are changes in the tactics and rhetoric of the new movement.
Historical context
In an image published by The Guardian, several similar movements and figures from the past are shown. From top left: a National Front demonstration, Oswald Mosley and his blackshirts, EDL supporters, Unite the Kingdom protesters, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson). In the foreground are Daniel Thomas and Patriot Platform protesters. This composite was created from materials by Guardian Design/SSPL/Getty Images/PA/Alamy/AP/AFP/EPA.
Key observations
The Guardian's investigation identified several features in the Patriot Platform's activities:
- 01The movement is organised as a militaristic operation.
- 02It contains elements of influencer culture.
- 03Anti-migrant rhetoric and tactics have changed.
- 04An appeal for «Tommo's Mum» was made within the movement.
The «Tommo's Mum» appeal
As noted in The Guardian's headline, the Patriot Platform made an appeal for «Tommo's Mum». This appeal emerged during the movement's week of activity. The publication described it as an «unsettling week».
Nature of the movement
The Guardian describes the Patriot Platform as a movement «from black-clad agitators to an appeal for 'Tommo's Mum'». According to the publication, this new anti-migrant movement demonstrates a shift in tactics and rhetoric.
Historical parallels
The Guardian compares the Patriot Platform with historical anti-migrant movements. As shown in the image, there previously existed movements and figures such as the National Front, Oswald Mosley's blackshirts, the EDL, Unite the Kingdom, and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson). The Patriot Platform continues this tradition but uses new tactics and rhetoric.
Conclusion
The Guardian's investigation shows the features of the Patriot Platform as an anti-migrant movement. The publication noted that this movement combines elements of a militaristic operation and influencer culture, and also demonstrates changes in tactics and rhetoric. The «Tommo's Mum» appeal became an important part of this week.