Britain First threatens 'direct action operations' against journalists, media outlets and advertisers following Channel 4 report
‘Street defence organisation’ Britain First has pledged in a chilling warning to take “direct action” against any journalist the organisation perceives to have been “caught lying”.
Warning: Britain First posted a press release online
In a press release posted on the organisation’s website, Britain First announced it was adopting a direct action policy against journalists and media outlets it believes has published “inaccuracies or lies”. It added that it would target advertisers as well.
The warning came after anti-extremism website Hope Not Hate published a report about Britain First that was picked up in part by Channel 4 News in an article titled: “Britain First: inside the extremist group targeting mosques.”
In response, far-right Britain First claimed any media outlets found sourcing information from Hope Not Hate would face consequences.
“Given that the UK is bristling with religious extremists who have already murdered dozens in London alone, the behaviour of the media, individual journalists, director and shareholders of these media corporations/companies must be responsible, fair and honest,” a statement from Britain First said.
“Anything else brings real danger to activists and their families. With this in mind, the Britain First Defence Force has announced that should any news outlet wish to re-publish any inaccuracies or lies peddled by ‘Hope Not Hate’ that could place any of our people or their families in danger unfairly, they (inc [sic] journalists, directors and main advertisers) will be subject to a legal and non-violent ‘direct action’ campaign to highlight any information.”
The statement added: “These direct action operations will be ‘personal’ not on-line or via the internet.”
Britain First describes itself as a “patriotic political party and street defence organisation that opposes and fights the many injustices that are routinely inflicted on British people”. The organisation claims it will “restore Christianity as the bedrock and foundation of our national life as it has been for the last one thousand years”.
A spokeswoman for Channel 4 News said: "Our report on Britain First is an accurate account of the events that took place when Channel 4 News filmed the group. We stand by our journalism which will be broadcast on Channel 4 News at 7pm tonight."