UK Far-Right Leader Mark Collett Speaks at Russian-Organized Nationalist Summit
Mark Collett, head of the UK far-right group Patriotic Alternative, participated in a Russia-organized summit of European extreme nationalists held in St. Petersburg on 12 September. He appeared online, delivering a three-minute speech addressing birthrates and immigration in Britain.
The event, known as the Forum of the International Anti-Globalist League, was hosted at the Legislative Assembly building by Konstantin Malofeyev and included over 50 delegates representing 15 right-wing groups from three continents. Among the prominent figures was Alexander Dugin, referred to as "Putin’s brain," whose views have influenced the thinking behind the invasion of Ukraine.
Collett stated that his invitation came from the Brotherhood of Academists and denied any direct contact or payment from the Russian establishment, dismissing claims of being used by Russia. Labour MP Calvin Bailey, a member of the Commons defence committee, warned that links between the Kremlin and Patriotic Alternative represent political subversion aimed at undermining democracy.
Other notable participants at the forum included Alain de Benoist, Alain Soral, and Alexander von Bismarck. The Guardian also highlighted broader concerns about Russian influence operations in Britain, including a network of Telegram channels tied to Russia that encourage attacks on mosques and Muslims while promoting cryptocurrency.
Calls have been made to ban Patriotic Alternative, which is described as the UK’s largest far-right group, though it faces challenges from newer rivals.
