The influence of media — spanning social, electronic, and print platforms — is reshaping public opinion globally at an unprecedented pace, significantly impacting the rise of far-right movements in America and Europe.
In France, Marine Le Pen’s National Rally has emerged as a powerful symbol of Europe’s far-right resurgence, mainstreaming anti-immigration and nationalist rhetoric. During the 2022 presidential election, Le Pen secured 41.5% of the vote in the second round, marking the far right’s strongest showing in modern French history. By 2024, polls positioned National Rally as France’s most popular party, particularly among younger and working-class voters disillusioned by globalization and immigration.
This trend resonates in the UK, where Tommy Robinson has become a prominent far-right figure. His “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London attracted over 100,000 attendees, the largest such mobilization in British history. Robinson’s platform hinges on anti-immigration sentiment, hostility toward Muslims, and claims of eroding “free speech.” He asserts that Islam itself — not merely its extremist factions — is incompatible with British values. In a 2016 social media post, he stated: “Islam will not assimilate or integrate. I know it & you know it.” Another post claimed: “There is a nation within a nation forming just beneath the surface of the UK. It is a nation built on hatred, on violence and on Islam.”
At the London rally, Robinson declared to supporters that “Britain has finally awoken” and that the movement “is never going away.” He falsely claimed British courts prioritize the rights of Somali, Afghan, and Pakistani migrants over those of “the people that built this nation.”
The rally’s international dimension underscored the role of digital connectivity. Via videolink, Elon Musk warned that uncontrolled migration was “destroying Britain” and criticized the government for failing to protect children. French far-right politician Éric Zemmour echoed this, stating that “the freedom of our peoples is in danger,” amplifying the rally’s nationalist fervor.
The Guardian highlights that Britain’s far right is no longer a localized phenomenon; it is deeply intertwined with American networks, funding, narratives, and digital strategies. The “Unite the Kingdom” rally stood out not only for its scale but for its transatlantic character: Elon Musk’s appearance, amplification by Donald Trump’s allies, and chants for American activist Charlie Kirk in central London underscored this connection.
This transatlantic influence is further evident in Trump’s rhetoric. At the 2025 UN General Assembly, he attacked London’s mayor, stating: “I look at London, where you have a terrible mayor, terrible, terrible mayor, and it’s been changed, it’s been so changed. Now they want to go to sharia law. But you are in a different country, you can’t do that.” He warned European leaders: “If you don’t stop people that you’ve never seen before, that you have nothing in common with, your country is going to fail.” Such statements fuel Robinson’s anti-Muslim narrative in the UK and resonate with far-right audiences across Europe.
These developments signal challenging times for immigrants, particularly Muslims and the Pakistani community, in the UK.
Historically, large-scale Pakistani migration to the UK began in the late 1950s and 1960s to address post-war labor shortages in industries like textiles and manufacturing in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the Midlands. Many British Pakistanis trace their origins to Mirpur in Azad Kashmir, displaced by the construction of the Mangla Dam.
Today, British Pakistanis number over 1.8 million, constituting approximately 2.7% of the UK population. Their contributions span every sector. In healthcare, Pakistanis are a significant part of the NHS workforce. According to The Independent, citing NHS Digital, 3.3% of full-time equivalent doctors in England are Pakistani nationals. A 2024 Institute for Fiscal Studies analysis further reveals that doctors of Pakistani heritage account for 8% of junior doctors, 4% of consultants, and 10% of other specialists. The General Medical Council reported 1,629 Pakistani doctors joining the UK register in 2021, one of the highest figures for any country that year.
Politically, the community’s influence is growing, with figures like London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, both of Pakistani descent, alongside 14 MPs in Parliament — a record of representation. Thousands of Pakistani-origin professionals — including barristers, solicitors, academics, engineers, doctors, journalists, and entrepreneurs — bolster Britain’s economy and public life. Writers like Kamila Shamsie (Home Fire), Mohsin Hamid (The Reluctant Fundamentalist), and Mohammed Hanif (A Case of Exploding Mangoes) demonstrate global literary excellence, challenging far-right stereotypes and affirming British Pakistanis’ role in enriching Britain’s cultural identity and reputation as an inclusive society.
Yet, challenges persist within the community. Even into the third generation, many remain tied to the baradari (kinship) system, prioritizing caste in settlement, marriage, and politics. This fosters tribalism and subtle prejudice, even among educated professionals — barristers, solicitors, doctors, engineers, and self-described socialists — who adhere to baradari loyalties. While discrimination is illegal and rarely overt, these attitudes quietly undermine unity and broad-mindedness.
Sectarian divisions further fragment the community. Many adhere rigidly to Deobandi, Barelvi, Ahle-Hadees, or Shia teachings, often viewing their sect as the sole embodiment of “true” Islam while dismissing others as lesser or even heretical. Separate mosques across the UK reflect these divides. Though legal constraints prevent open expressions of such prejudice, it persists covertly, fostering mistrust and weakening integration.
Language barriers also pose challenges. The 2016 Casey Review found Pakistanis and Bangladeshis had the lowest English proficiency, with 57% of women economically inactive compared to 25% of White women. The 2021 Census reported that 2% of people in England and Wales — roughly 1.2 million — had limited or no English proficiency, with Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities disproportionately affected.
If British Pakistanis can transcend baradari loyalties, sectarian divisions, and language barriers while embracing education and democratic values, they can not only safeguard their community but also strengthen Britain’s social fabric. Amid rising far-right rhetoric, their achievements, unity, and contributions offer a powerful counter-narrative, proving they are integral to the nation’s progress and identity.