Key Advice when going on Far Right Counter Actions
In late 2025, at the time of writing, far right formations are regularly organising rallies and pogroms across the country, harassing and threatening minoritised people, particularly migrant people, Muslim people, disabled people, and queer and trans people.
Counter actions can be chaotic and dangerous – plans and tactics differ widely between different factions. Some are focused on blocking fascist movement or directly defending their targets; others are content to be policed away from confrontation with fascists. In addition to this, policing and far right tactics have changed somewhat in the last year. Below are some of our thoughts on what’s changed, alongside some advice for protesters.
| What’s changed | What to do |
| Policing
In some areas, especially those where Reform is now in power locally, policing of far right actions has changed. Police are less likely to hold fascists in a specific area, and less likely to disperse fascists after actions end. This means groups of fascists can sometimes be closer to antifascists during actions, and afterwards can be moving around towns, sometimes looking for targets. |
Don’t rely on police to keep you safe from fascists. Practice situational awareness. Remember the 5 Key Messages.Stay together and support one another; don’t collude with police attempts to portray one group of antifascists as bad or violent.
Arrive, move and leave with a buddy if at all possible. Share info with them, such as what solicitor you’ll use if arrested. Make sure you know your way to and from the action. Don’t travel alone, and be prepared for far right presence on public transport. Carry cash. |
| Far right tactics
Fascists are more likely to have specific targets currently, often hotels where they say migrant people are staying. Far right livestreamers are frequently working alongside fascists at recent actions, sometimes wearing legal observer bibs in order to move around among antifascists. They will attempt to confront and provoke people, and then to doxx them (identify them by searching for images of their face online). This can result in quite serious consequences for people. Reform’s current profile means that the far right feels powerful at the moment. This can translate into more aggressive behaviour, particularly against minoritised people – Black, brown and migrant people, Muslim people, disabled people, and queer and trans people. Far right campaigns often have a focus on child sexual abuse, rape and other potentially triggering topics. |
Check the location and area before you go. Make a plan for where you want to be and who you want to be there with you.Avoid livestreamers. Mask up and don’t speak to them. Avoid responding unless safely moving them away in groups. Be wary of ‘legal observers’ who are streaming and commentating, filming antifascists or forming lines – these are probably fascist livestreamers.
If you feel at risk from fascists, or are panicked or feeling unwell, it’s ok to go home. Make a plan and communicate it, and try not to leave alone, particularly if under fascist scrutiny. Arrange a meet up point with your buddy away from the action. Take time to care for yourself: drink water, take breaks, eat snacks, or whatever works to help keep you calm. |
Elsewhere
