Well, I've been on the receiving end of some of your lectures, Pomona but apologies for misspelling your name and for suggesting that your potential egg-throwing targets are narrower than they actually are.
But to return to the theme, we may differ on the egg thing but imagine we'd be in agreement on most other points here.
We've started getting "patriots" turn up outside a local hotel. Though, apart from blocking the road for an hour leaving buses struggling to turn in a road that's barely wide enough even using a wee service road they limited themselves to being rowdy, letting off some pyrotechnics and throwing one brick at the police for show.
Though they call themselves "Patriotic Alternative", so that means they self-identify as an alternative to patriots and therefore must be traitors.
Though they call themselves "Patriotic Alternative", so that means they self-identify as an alternative to patriots and therefore must be traitors.
PA are an actual far right group, whose founder was formerly a member of the BNP.
Yes, I'm aware that PA are one of the groups that even make Reform seem moderate. As I said, traitors.
I’ve never been convinced that Reform and the BNP or the National Front are very different. The statements from the past of some now discredited Reform representatives go back to their days in the more openly fascist parties, when the BNP had members of the London Assembly and the European Parliament.
any person who in any public place or at any public meeting wears uniform signifying his association with any political organisation or with the promotion of any political object shall be guilty of an offence
To the best of my knowledge, the streets of Dover are still public places, and the "Patriots" in their uniform black clothing where acting in promotion of a political object (ie: "Stop the Boats"). I guess that just leaves the question of whether they were wearing a uniform for the CPS to decide on.
But, prosecution for terrorism seems a much easier route, given that they were clearly more intent on terrorising the population of Dover than, say, elderly women sitting on a London street with a piece of card calling for Action against the genocide in Palestine.
any person who in any public place or at any public meeting wears uniform signifying his association with any political organisation or with the promotion of any political object shall be guilty of an offence
To the best of my knowledge, the streets of Dover are still public places, and the "Patriots" in their uniform black clothing where acting in promotion of a political object (ie: "Stop the Boats"). I guess that just leaves the question of whether they were wearing a uniform for the CPS to decide on.
But, prosecution for terrorism seems a much easier route, given that they were clearly more intent on terrorising the population of Dover than, say, elderly women sitting on a London street with a piece of card calling for Action against the genocide in Palestine.
It’s a fine line, political merchandise - t shirts etc - has been around for a long time and is pretty accepted. I don’t support the cause, obviously, but I do support the right to peaceful protest. Unlike various far right demos in recent years this seems to have been peaceful. I am not sure there are grounds to ban it that wouldn’t encompass basically all remaining forms of lawful protest.
They could possibly be charged with "obstructing the highway" under the 1980 Highways Act.
You would think so. And I would imagine that P&O and the other ferry companies might be trying to discover who organised the demo so a large invoice for compensation could be sent.
One of the most formidable patriots I knew would never have waved placards or marched around in patriotic rig. He was a WW2 vet who was in a commando unit in PNG, later commanded a platoon in Borneo & admitted reluef that the A bombs ended the war before his unit & others would have been sent to Formosa for a fight to the death. 40 years later as head of espionage in Australia he refused to divulge the names of hos secret agents on the grounds that to do so would be in breach of their contracts and also unpatriotic. He said as much to aRoyal Commussion, took the rap & accepted the destruction of his career. His former agents attended his requiem incognito 3 years later and also attended his widow’s requiem 11 years after that.
The Guardian's report (today) mentions the interesting fact that some of the leaders of the 'Patriots' are criminals who have been convicted of violent offences, in some cases against women:
any person who in any public place or at any public meeting wears uniform signifying his association with any political organisation or with the promotion of any political object shall be guilty of an offence
I'm confused about the purpose of the act. It reads to me as though wearing any politically aligned uniform in public is illegal - is that correct? What harm is it supposed to address?
any person who in any public place or at any public meeting wears uniform signifying his association with any political organisation or with the promotion of any political object shall be guilty of an offence
I'm confused about the purpose of the act. It reads to me as though wearing any politically aligned uniform in public is illegal - is that correct? What harm is it supposed to address?
The Blackshirts and their ilk, making its use in this context entirely appropriate.
any person who in any public place or at any public meeting wears uniform signifying his association with any political organisation or with the promotion of any political object shall be guilty of an offence
I'm confused about the purpose of the act. It reads to me as though wearing any politically aligned uniform in public is illegal - is that correct? What harm is it supposed to address?
The Blackshirts and their ilk, making its use in this context entirely appropriate.
So if a buncha Greens wanna all wear the same make of green shirt and green shorts while protesting, the law would be used against them as well?
(I don't mean this as some sorta hyperbolic "First they came for the fascists, then they came for the environmentalists" thing, I'm just wondering how consistently people want thus law applied. FWIW, I think if any political movement truly has the wind in its sails, banning them from wearing uniforms wouldn't make much difference.)
The Guardian's report (today) mentions the interesting fact that some of the leaders of the 'Patriots' are criminals who have been convicted of violent offences, in some cases against women:
any person who in any public place or at any public meeting wears uniform signifying his association with any political organisation or with the promotion of any political object shall be guilty of an offence
I'm confused about the purpose of the act. It reads to me as though wearing any politically aligned uniform in public is illegal - is that correct? What harm is it supposed to address?
The Blackshirts and their ilk, making its use in this context entirely appropriate.
So if a buncha Greens wanna all wear the same make of green shirt and green shorts while protesting, the law would be used against them as well?
(I don't mean this as some sorta hyperbolic "First they came for the fascists, then they came for the environmentalists" thing, I'm just wondering how consistently people want thus law applied. FWIW, I think if any political movement truly has the wind in its sails, banning them from wearing uniforms wouldn't make much difference.)
It's one tool in the fascist armoury. I've no reason to want to give it back. The sort of imtimidation tactics the fash use to control the streets aren't something Greens engage in so would have no need for quasi-military uniforms.
The potential issues with regular political campaigners wearing clothing branded in their party colours (and, all parties do it - I've seen Labour red coats (there may be appropriate Star Trek imagery to call on reflecting the chances of electoral massacre Labour have seen in recent years), Green fleeces, etc ... and every colour T-shirt going) and "uniform" for the purposes of the 1936 Act is why I mentioned that seems to be a point that will be long debated and probably get the thugs in Dover off the hook on that charge. Though I expect behaviour may also be a factor - a group of LibDems in orange T-shirts wandering down the street chapping doors is going to look a lot less like a uniform than a group of young men in black marching in formation (or, at least clearly attempting to do so) or otherwise taking on mannerisms usually associated with military.
Though I expect behaviour may also be a factor - a group of LibDems in orange T-shirts wandering down the street chapping doors is going to look a lot less like a uniform than a group of young men in black marching in formation (or, at least clearly attempting to do so) or otherwise taking on mannerisms usually associated with military.
An interesting case would be if western maoists ever got into the practice of running around in Red Guard uniforms and waving the Little Red Book. The style is non-military, in fact is meant to symbolize the polar opposite of militarism and hierarchy, BUT also definitely associated with organized violence by a widely-feared group.
Not that many people living in the west today experienced direct violence during the Cultural Revolution, of course, which gets us into the question about what connection has to exist between the uniform and the viewer(s)' experience of real-life persecution or violence, in order to justify a ban.
Admittedly, I am less tolerant than many shipmates of claims that freedom of speech can excuse causing breaches of the peace, but I cannot think of any form of self-expression that should be legitimate and that the Public Order Act 1936 inhibits.
Nobody imagines that the Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides or the Boys Brigade are wearing uniforms in connection with political objects.
Admittedly, I am less tolerant than many shipmates of claims that freedom of speech can excuse causing breaches of the peace, but I cannot think of any form of self-expression that should be legitimate and that the Public Order Act 1936 inhibits.
Nobody imagines that the Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides or the Boys Brigade are wearing uniforms in connection with political objects.
The scouting-inspired Kibbo Kift was ostensibly anti-militarist, but at the end of its brief existence devolved into the fascist-adjacent Green Shirts, who promoted Social Credit and apparently did engage in a small amount of street fighting. Mosley was a supporter of Social Credit, but I don't know if he'd ever been in Kibbo Kift.
Hope not hate have information that Kent police were tipped off about the fascist mobilisation when it could still have been stopped- and seemingly did nothing
It would be my hope (in vain, you might think) that their outward profession of faith might enable a route towards their rehabilitation and repentance.
Though they do bring to mind Matthew 7
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
It would be my hope (in vain, you might think) that their outward profession of faith might enable a route towards their rehabilitation and repentance.
Though they do bring to mind Matthew 7
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
This.
I wonder how long it'll take the C of E (for example) to condemn this clear and present danger, and to think of something else other than Sex.
There's a previous video of an incident from about a week ago where a few of them went into a church and started verbally abusing the vicar (and causing distress to the parishoners) because his church was allegedly helping refugees. The police did turn up on that occasion.
There's a previous video of an incident from about a week ago where a few of them went into a church and started verbally abusing the vicar (and causing distress to the parishoners) because his church was allegedly helping refugees. The police did turn up on that occasion.
I believe a group in Doncaster got very shitty with the vicar one Saturday recently because the bells were drowning their rally out.
There's a previous video of an incident from about a week ago where a few of them went into a church and started verbally abusing the vicar (and causing distress to the parishoners) because his church was allegedly helping refugees. The police did turn up on that occasion.
I believe a group in Doncaster got very shitty with the vicar one Saturday recently because the bells were drowning their rally out.
Well, at least they didn't have Buddhists playing bagpipes in their bathrooms...
Comments
But to return to the theme, we may differ on the egg thing but imagine we'd be in agreement on most other points here.
Though they call themselves "Patriotic Alternative", so that means they self-identify as an alternative to patriots and therefore must be traitors.
I see today one of the leaders of the flag raisers in England is facing serious charges regarding CSAM
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26240871.raise-colours-figure-accused-making-indecent-child-images/
PA are an actual far right group, whose founder was formerly a member of the BNP.
Not an isolated incident either:
https://www.birminghamdispatch.co.uk/raise-the-colours-founder-charged-with-murder/
https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/well-known-bristol-football-fan-10699651
I’ve never been convinced that Reform and the BNP or the National Front are very different. The statements from the past of some now discredited Reform representatives go back to their days in the more openly fascist parties, when the BNP had members of the London Assembly and the European Parliament.
I know political canvassing in uniform is illegal - but I don’t think it applies to protests, so the were probably inside the law.
But, prosecution for terrorism seems a much easier route, given that they were clearly more intent on terrorising the population of Dover than, say, elderly women sitting on a London street with a piece of card calling for Action against the genocide in Palestine.
Presumably the same people in face covers who shout “Ban the burqa”
KKK people do that.
I always think of that when anyone boasts how patriotic they are,
Usually attributed to Dr. Johnson, I believe.
It’s a fine line, political merchandise - t shirts etc - has been around for a long time and is pretty accepted. I don’t support the cause, obviously, but I do support the right to peaceful protest. Unlike various far right demos in recent years this seems to have been peaceful. I am not sure there are grounds to ban it that wouldn’t encompass basically all remaining forms of lawful protest.
I believe Ambrose Bierce redefined it as the first in his Devil’s Dictionary. Or was it Oscar Wilde? Anyway, either was more accurate than Dr Johnson.
You would think so. And I would imagine that P&O and the other ferry companies might be trying to discover who organised the demo so a large invoice for compensation could be sent.
Lisa Simpson
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/sep/06/black-clad-dover-protesters-condemned-for-dressing-up-in-costumes-by-minister
Good ol'British values?
I'm confused about the purpose of the act. It reads to me as though wearing any politically aligned uniform in public is illegal - is that correct? What harm is it supposed to address?
The Blackshirts and their ilk, making its use in this context entirely appropriate.
So if a buncha Greens wanna all wear the same make of green shirt and green shorts while protesting, the law would be used against them as well?
(I don't mean this as some sorta hyperbolic "First they came for the fascists, then they came for the environmentalists" thing, I'm just wondering how consistently people want thus law applied. FWIW, I think if any political movement truly has the wind in its sails, banning them from wearing uniforms wouldn't make much difference.)
You know you're a cnut when Jenrick publicly objects to you. Privately...
It's one tool in the fascist armoury. I've no reason to want to give it back. The sort of imtimidation tactics the fash use to control the streets aren't something Greens engage in so would have no need for quasi-military uniforms.
Aotearoa/NZ has a general Election in November.
I am not feeling hopeful.
An interesting case would be if western maoists ever got into the practice of running around in Red Guard uniforms and waving the Little Red Book. The style is non-military, in fact is meant to symbolize the polar opposite of militarism and hierarchy, BUT also definitely associated with organized violence by a widely-feared group.
Not that many people living in the west today experienced direct violence during the Cultural Revolution, of course, which gets us into the question about what connection has to exist between the uniform and the viewer(s)' experience of real-life persecution or violence, in order to justify a ban.
Nobody imagines that the Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides or the Boys Brigade are wearing uniforms in connection with political objects.
The scouting-inspired Kibbo Kift was ostensibly anti-militarist, but at the end of its brief existence devolved into the fascist-adjacent Green Shirts, who promoted Social Credit and apparently did engage in a small amount of street fighting. Mosley was a supporter of Social Credit, but I don't know if he'd ever been in Kibbo Kift.
https://hopenothate.org.uk/2026/09/07/exclusive-did-kent-police-ignore-dover-blockade-999-call/
Quite how they reconcile their hatred and thuggery with the teachings of Christ, I know not.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/ng-interactive/2026/sep/08/how-a-black-clad-christian-vigilante-group-swarmed-portsmouth
They have ignored the New Testament entirely and misinterpreted the Old Testament.
It’s fair to say that they are not the first “Christian” group to do this, nor will they be the last.
Though they do bring to mind Matthew 7
Indeed.
This.
I wonder how long it'll take the C of E (for example) to condemn this clear and present danger, and to think of something else other than Sex.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/08/kent-police-dover-unrest-far-right-village
Note how some of these Good Christian Patriots were heard boasting about going to Dover to 'attack Muslims'.
Jesus is (perhaps) weeping.
There's a previous video of an incident from about a week ago where a few of them went into a church and started verbally abusing the vicar (and causing distress to the parishoners) because his church was allegedly helping refugees. The police did turn up on that occasion.
I believe a group in Doncaster got very shitty with the vicar one Saturday recently because the bells were drowning their rally out.
Apparently that tower practices on a Saturday...
Well, at least they didn't have Buddhists playing bagpipes in their bathrooms...