Opening a Dialogue with the Far-Right

Russell Jones imagines how that might go...

Aug 09, 2024

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London 7 August 2024 Photo: Vuk Valcic/Alamy

As the ethno-nationalist riots have raged across England and Northern Ireland, I have seen many people suggesting the solution lies in discussion. We should not vilify the far right, we should instead understand their wishes, meet them halfway, and seek agreement.

We should, in short, open a dialogue.

Here’s how that might go.

FAR-RIGHT: I’ve discovered the Southport attack was perpetrated by Ali al Shakati!

NORMAL PEOPLE: Are you sure?

FAR RIGHT: I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.

NORMAL PEOPLE: Ali al Shakati means “I have to go to my apartment”.

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