HATE: My Life In The British Far Right

by Matthew Collins

What do you do when everything you know and believe in crashes around you in a hail of fists and boots, flying chairs and broken glass? And not just once, but seemingly every time you leave the house? When it seemed that no one was listening, that I was just another white face from a council estate, and that there was nowhere else to go and nothing else to do, the violence and racism of the far right offered me an alluring escape from the mediocrity of school, work and boredom. In 1980s Britain, the belligerent sentiments of a few hundred lonely white men went almost unnoticed...But this tiny minority had grand designs. Fuelled by alcohol and violence, they built a party that would go on to hold seats in council chambers across England and in the European Parliament. And hidden behind those large union flags were individuals - me included - prepared to bomb and kill to make their dreams a reality. But what do you do when you realise that the hatred, patriotism and violence haunting you - from the playground to the pub to the ballot box - stem from your own demons? The you switch sides.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Memoir

309 pages, Paperback

First published August 22, 2011

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an alternately amusing, horrifying, gripping, and -- sorry to say -- sometimes tedious (perhaps necessarily so) read. Collins is a curious paradox -- a remarkable individual who at the same time is wholly typical....typical, as a teenager, of the young men who join far-right political parties or their modern corollaries, far-right online networks, because the members of such networks are the only people who seem interested in their feelings of alienation. Or as Collins puts it, "They treated me as if I was bright." The highlights of the story are the early chapters, in which Collins is drawn further and further into the British fascist scene, eventually becoming a coveted prize for both the NF and the BNP, as well as (later) the out-and-out fascist hit squad, C18; and the final 5 or 10 chapters, in which Collins narrates his increasingly high-stakes double role as right-wing big-wig and anti-fascist informer. Sandwiched in between are some 150 pages in which the story could have used a more hands-on editor -- partly to flesh out the very "inside baseball" nature of the story (names that would presumably elicit a knowing nod from a seasoned veteran of either the British fascist or anti-fascist movements float past the neophyte reader in a confusing tangle of political allegiances and past criminal convictions) and partly to make the chronology and, so to speak, dramatic arc more clear. And to clean up a few annoying blemishes like inconsistencies of tense and occasional typos, perhaps left in to mark the "authenticity" of Collins's voice -- but he's a pretty good raconteur and the individuality of his voice would have been left intact by some basic proofreading and copy-editing, I feel.

After I finished the book I picked up an issue of Searchlight, the anti-fascist magazine that Collins started passing information to in his last 3 years as an active participant on the UK fascist scene, and was shocked though not surprised to see many of the names mentioned in Collins's narrative mentioned there as well, in reporting about the current activities of the BNP and EDL. (The same issue profiled Anders Breivik, the Norwegian terrorist, and uncovered his links to the EDL and other online Islamophobe networks. The degree of bravery involved in Collins's "unmasking" himself and coming forward with this story should not be underestimated; at the core of these networks are genuinely dangerous, violent and reckless people, many of them still active and still -- or again --at large.)

It is for this that Collins's book is valuable -- though perhaps not quite the primer for the wholly uninitiated that he was aiming for, it does tell an important story with some memorable (and a number of less memorable) characters. The story is important because it's still going on, with most of the same people still involved. And because Collins is very clear on what can and can't, should and shouldn't, be done to combat fascism. Over and over again, we see groups of "Reds" (socialist and anti-fascist groups) show up, deliberately, to clash violently with the fascists in what are effectively planned riots, against which the police are largely helpless. And we see the Labour Party systematically desert the working-class neighbourhoods in which kids like Matthew grow up, leaving a vacuum that the NF and BNP eagerly (even if often ineptly) fill; essentially, the laws of physics accomplish for them what their own disorganized and impoverished politics can't. Finally, we see the combination of teenage self-involvement and sense of grievance and hopelessness that makes the far right so attractive to Matthew and kids like him. If someone -- anyone -- else had rung him up and invited him to a meeting, or pushed a leaflet through his door, or talked to him as if his opinion mattered, would he have gone over to them instead?

Early on the narrative, as Matthew is travelling to Rochdale with a bunch of other fascists for a planned demonstration, he reflects: "The longer I sat in the van and smelt the by-products of last night's beer and kebabs, the more I thought about the Socialist Workers Party, all perfumed and nubile, heading off for a huge shagging session at somebody's stately home while their parents were in the Algarve" (65). This sentence, at once hilarious and richly evocative, is typical of the parts of the book that work best: the reader gets a clear picture what motivates the average NF member (even to the point of almost being able to smell them) while also understanding immediately why Matthew joined the NF and not the SWP (a group with more adherents and an almost equal potential for thuggery): he simply was not posh enough to make it as a Socialist Worker! In the same moment we also see why the "anti-fascist" activities of the SWP can never be successful. It's for compact, readable insights like this that the book is most valuable. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in British politics and particularly in what lies behind the meteoric rise of the BNP and groups like it in contemporary Europe.

[Perttu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting to find some reasons why one would join an extremist movement like the far right, but alas, couldn’t find many of those in this book. The book occasionally moves in a snappy pace, but too often gets stuck in The National Front’s inner squabbles. Suddenly, the author turns into a mole for an anti-fascist magazine, but the motivations are never fully explored.

A shame, since I feel this story could have been presented in a way more compact and gripping package.

[Adrian Bloxham · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unflinching story of the path from clueless racist teen-ager to hope not hate activist. A dry read, informative and doesn't back away from ugliness

[Francesca Enever · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have FINALLY finished this book. This was an absolute slog. I had really high hopes as I am interested in the far right and was looking forward to learning more about it and how people get involved and what happened to Matthew in particular for him to swing in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, the majority of the book is a lot of waffle about inter-party politics that are not very interesting. Furthermore, names of people and various parties are thrown about so much that you lose track of who is who and whether they are right or left. This really had the potential to be a fascinating read and insight into these violent, hate-filled groups but unfortunately the patchy writing style and inconsistent story-telling pattern really let it down.

[Huda]

This guy doesn't mince his words. Often rather crude, occasionally funny in a laddish way, shines a light on some pretty murky stuff.

[Rachele Deans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, sadly, felt very relevant for the current state of society. As much as I could never understand that level of hatred towards another human being for their race, colour, sexuality, religion etc. the book helps you to see how those feelings can be stirred and manipulated into violence and aggression. I found his writing style slightly difficult as he jumps from present to past tense and I will say that the constant references to masturbation and flatulence not as funny as may have been intended.

The courage Matthew had to stand up against people he once called his friends is impressive and a true inspiration. I could be completely talking out of my arse but I swear I got this book when he did a talk at my school and he brought a machete in. But yeah, I could be lying.

It's horrible to hear of the way people speak, the conviction people have in their hatred and the terrifying thought that in times of economic downturn groups like the NF, BNP can make grounds. I'm hopeful we're seeing the last of the EDL but you never know. Following Brexit xenophobia and hate crimes increased and with the current government we have, anything is possible.

I would love this book to be given to all students (high school would be the appropriate age range) so that they get a glimpse into the reality of the far right.

Overall I liked the book and think it is an important read to remind us of the danger that may still be around and to have the courage like Matthew to stand up against it.

[Chris Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a great book. Not an enjoyable read. However, Collins makes very apparent what a tawdry and pathetic group of people the Aryan leaders of a pure white Britain are. So a significant book, for that reason. No discussion at all of Derek Beackon's spell as a Tower Hamlets councillor, or of the dramatic and effective community action that finished him, which is to my mind the important lesson of the rise and fall of the Far Right. Now I want to have a shower. Ick.

[Marion Husband · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, it was ok, a bit too many names (I know - I need talk - loads of characters in my novels...) But I just couldn't get his angle and I think I was looking for something a bit more serious on the subject...A tad bit repetative too.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this type of book provide insights into a section of society placed on the fringes ... I also think it provides a historical account into a culture many others certainly didn't go, and probably didn't understand ...

[Thea · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting but not necessarily well written account.

[Steve Angelkov · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to read this book after watching The Walk in on Netflix, which cast Stephen Graham as Matthew Collins.

The show covered a more probing timeline, mainly focusing on the period of time after Collins left NF and worked with the Hope not Hate Campaign.

Whilst the book mainly focuses on the NF, it's still a more revealing depiction.

Matthew Collins' "Hate" is a harrowing and unflinching memoir that delves into the depths of far-right extremism in Britain. As a former member of the National Front and the British National Party, Collins offers a firsthand account of the violence, racism, and hatred that permeate these organizations.

The book is both a personal journey and a damning indictment of the far-right ideology. Collins recounts his own descent into extremism, driven by a mixture of anger, frustration, and a sense of belonging. He vividly portrays the intoxicating allure of the movement, the camaraderie, and the shared sense of purpose.

However, he also exposes the brutality, the internal conflicts, and the destructive impact of these groups on individuals and society.

One of the strengths of "Hate" is Collins' unflinching honesty. He doesn't shy away from his own mistakes and the harm he caused. He also doesn't romanticize his past, portraying the far-right scene for what it truly is – a world of violence, bigotry, and ultimately, despair.

Collins' writing is raw and powerful, capturing the intensity of his experiences. His vivid descriptions of clashes with rival groups, police raids, and internal struggles bring the story to life. However, some readers may find the graphic nature of the violence disturbing.

"Hate" is an important read for anyone interested in understanding the roots of extremism and the dangers it poses. It serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the importance of vigilance against hate speech and discrimination.

[Andy Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given it’s subject matter, Hate is a frightening read but it’s also very funny in parts, as Matthew Collins’s account of his part in the activities of the far right highlights the idiocy of a bunch of thugs who were intent of initiating a race war in England. Understandably, Collins doesn’t go into too much detail about how he ‘turned’ and started working on the inside for anti-fascist group Searchlight. It’s clear though that his life was at risk from retribution from his former comrades. The book is an interesting and thought-provoking read.

[Bouwulf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only negative to this otherwise equally funny and insightful book is the rather anticlimactic ending, but even then, such is the nature of autobiographical accounts like this. Does a great job of humanising the far-right whilst simultaneously not playing down the threat they pose. Loved it.

[Sara Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an interesting book but I found it a struggle to read. Partly because of the language of hate used within in it but I guess that was the whole point. I just didn’t feel the book read well but again that may have been me.

[Richie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author went on to work for Hope Not Hate.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book charts a dramatic journey from frustrated youth to fascist thug to anti-fascist campaigner. This a journey peppered with violence, racism, hard drinking, drugs, pornography, football hooliganism and excessive masturbation. Matthew Collins was a teenage member of the National Front in the 80’s and 90’s and witnessed its slow and messy demise and then the ascent and re-branding of the BNP and the extreme right as a whole. Collins gives a unique insight into the nature and behaviour of those on the fringes of society. It allowed me to understand how extremists recruit and target the vulnerable, how they twist situations and frustrations to their own ends and more importantly how they truly behave.

As you read how a young Collins became intoxicated by extremism despite the grubbiness and maliciousness of it’s peddlers you can appreciate the pull that extremist beliefs and easy answers must have to vulnerable youngsters who are searching for answers and direction. The most depressing thing whilst reading this book is realising the easy answers sold to Collins by the NF are the same being peddled to those caught up in the BNP and EDL now.

The cast of characters in this book have a warmth to them, despite their vile political beliefs. This helps and is more based in reality than casting them as pantomime villains. These were Collins friends, no matter what violence or criminal activity they were capable of inflicting. The fact that he portrays not only their flaws but highlights their character quirks helps understand how they interacted with each other and the outside world. There are some truly frightening and sickening moments whilst there are also moments of pure comedy.

The book is a very easy read and Collins covers a lot of detail in a way that doesn’t overload the reader. His tone is ranges from the serious to the silly. The constant references to his masturbation may seem OTT at first but when you get to a certain point in the book you realise the link between boredom, single life, pornography, masturbation and seeking any sort of thrill outside the humdrum of life fits in perfectly with extremist culture. In a Twitter discussion with the author I put it this way “I was more disturbed by the fact you’re a Palace fan than the maniacal masturbation and swearwords”.

My only criticism of the book is that the last couple of chapters which cover his conversion to anti-fascist campaigner are a little light. It just seems a little bit rushed and more detail would’ve finished the book off better. His conclusions were solid but I was left wanting to know more about his work with Searchlight, Hope Not Hate and more analysis on the continuing work to combat the growing EDL and monitoring the dysfunctional BNP.

Matthew Collins’ book should be a must read for youngsters curious about politics and adults who should know better.

[Brett Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the "pleasure" of knowing/knowing of the author many, many moons ago. What can I say? This edition is considerably better than the first and I understand that there are quite a few reasons for that. Some are sad and others are apparently legal.

For those of us that knew him in his teenage years it's fair to say he could have written a completely different book about his life without even mentioning his politics!

'Hate' should be read at the break-neck speed this short period of time was lived. He is a humorous raconteur and he most certainly did capture the seediness and the misery of not just his life but also of those around him.

The way he captures life on a council estate in the 1980's is perfectly un-glamorous and brutally honest and at times excessively self depreciating.

It helps if when you read this you have some slight inkling of the extreme right in this country and also how sectarian the left is in the UK.Collins spends a fair amount of time attacking the SWP-rightly so-for ignoring white working class people like Matthew and his not-so merry band as they spend their hateful lives masturbating and planning to kill people.

I laughed out loud and then grimaced at some of the tales- but not so much the conclusions. What a wise head he now ha for a before, during and after running commentary.

The humour can be a little bit too much like 'The Inbetweeners' for serious minded intellectuals but if you're really interested in a cracking read about the road to a rather soggy redemption then this is the book.

Laugh out loud and strangely morose too.

[Kingsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having grown up through the 70's and 80's in a small seaside town, and hearing about all the horrific crimes and small minded bigotry that seemed to be prevalent throughout the country, it seemed to be an alien place, an alien world that this was taking place in, and not mine at all. Until it started to creep in to my school, during what was then my O levels, not so much splitting people into factions, but making people ask questions that had never been thought of before, and then getting them to - small mindedly - choose opinions and stuff with very little understanding. This book fills in and expands on these memories, and not in a good way, particularly in light of current racial/religious tensions.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is both hilarious and frightening in equal measures. Collins tells about his life inside the far right during the eighties and nineties before he had to emigrate to Australia because of his work for Search Light after he became disillusioned with the politics he had aligned himself too and the danger from former comrades.

My only problem is that the book does seem a little disjointed in parts but otherwise worth picking up for an insightful look into the history of the far right in the UK.

[Andy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I suppose I bought the book in the hope of obtaining some insight into the thinking and the philosophy behind the far right political movements. Once it became clear there wasn't much thinking behind the movement (quite early on), the book became a diary of far right political activities, boring and irrelevant in equal measures. Ultimately a very easy book to put down, which is exactly what I did.

[Below · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book, but in my opinion I was a bit disappointed that the author did not go into more depth on his leaving of fascism, it was kind of not that clear whether it was merely being tired of the lifestyle/individuals within the movement, or whether there was a substantial ideological shift in his thinking.

[John Kerridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those on the extreme right apparently indulge in masterbation quiet frequently according to this book. No surprises there then. for those like me who lived through the rise of the extreme right from the late 70's onwards this seem quite a true reflection of the times.