Nick Scanlon, Britain First’s candidate for London Mayor, has been caught on hidden camera making vile racist comments. In footage recorded by the anti-fascist group HOPE not Hate, Scanlon used racial slurs and expressed hatred for Black people.
Covert Racist Remarks
In the undercover video, Scanlon, who ran against Sadiq Khan in the London mayoral election, said he and a former date shared a mutual hatred for Black people. He stated, “I’m not going to date someone who’s been with a Black person.”
He also recalled an instance when his date used a racial slur while they were out in Shoreditch, saying, “She just turned around and said, ‘I can’t stand Black people,’ and we both agreed.”
Britain First Leadership Under Scrutiny
Scanlon isn’t the only one facing controversy. Paul Golding, leader of Britain First, was also recorded expressing a disturbing desire for the UK to become “a sh*thole” over the next 15 years. He suggested that only when the country descends into chaos will people take action.
In the same investigation, a Britain First activist made vile comments about a woman confronting the group, stating she would deserve sexual violence for supporting immigrants.
Infiltrating the Far Right
The undercover investigation was carried out by researcher Harry Shukman, who posed as a Britain First supporter for several months. He attended their rallies and traveled with them to Poland for an ultranationalist march. Banners at the event read “Defend White Europe,” as crowds chanted nationalist slogans.
HOPE not Hate’s senior researcher, Patrik Hermansson, acted as Shukman’s handler. He explained that groups like Britain First often present a more moderate public image, but their private actions reveal deeply racist and extremist views.
A Dangerous Ideology
The documentary Undercover: Exposing the Far Right, which airs on Channel 4, captures the violent disorder that scarred British communities this summer. It showcases how extremist groups use racist conspiracy theories to incite unrest and highlights the growing normalization of far-right ideologies.
HOPE not Hate has long used informants to expose dangerous groups. Their investigations have previously prevented a murder plot against Labour MP Rosie Cooper and unmasked the Soho nail bomber in 1999.
The Rise of the Far Right
The documentary also reveals how the rhetoric of mainstream politicians contributes to the rise of far-right ideologies. Hermansson noted that inflammatory language about immigration and “alien cultures” from key political figures only fuels the far-right agenda.
Both Nick Scanlon and Paul Golding declined to comment on the investigation. Videos are available to view here.
Undercover: Exposing the Far Right will air on Channel 4 on 21 October.
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