Building a Street Force, 1990–1999

Abstract

During the 1990s, British fascism underwent contradictory changes. The British National Party worked to gain local political legitimacy at the same time fascist skinheads proved more violent than ever with incendiary lyrics and its fans were connected to numerous violent acts. In particular, figures in Combat 18 initially emerged to provide security for the British National Party, but quickly challenged the older radicals for influence by publishing periodicals that encouraged harassment and violence against its opponents. By the end of the decade, Nick Griffin successfully won a leadership election to become chair of the British National Party and sought to “modernize” the party and improve its previously negative image.