Concierge Nationalism: How the Far-Right Is Selling Extremism as a Lifestyle Service
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Far-right groups across England are transforming extremist activism into premium lifestyle services, offering everything from personal safety escorts to lifestyle mentorship through apps, QR codes and subscription models.
Advertising services including walk-you-home escorts, street patrols, SOS apps, and premium mentorship, they are creating potential revenue streams that fund their broader political activities.
Paid Advice and Unregulated Patrols
At the top end far-right activist Tommy Robinson charges £28 per minute for coaching through the slick app Minnect, where followers can get his advice and viewpoints on topics related to anti-Islam activism and political commentary. However, across the country other local patrol groups are posing as charities and soliciting donations for 'equipment' while operating without police recognition.
Together they offer what can best be described as a new form of 'concierge nationalism', extremist ideology delivered as an on-demand lifestyle service. Robinson's model demonstrates the premium end of this commercialisation. However, at the grassroots level, groups like Essex Spartans deploy similar tactics.
This publication recently revealed that similar safeguarding patrols were launched in Bournemouth by far-right activist Gary Bartlett. We can reveal that this strategy has now moved into Epping, Essex, home to the Bell Hotel, housing asylum seekers and the scenes of recent unrest, where Reform UK candidates posed solely as 'concerned parents', while giving interviews concealing their political status.
Red Flags and Child Safeguarding Issues
A group, which formed this month, calling itself Essex Spartans, formerly Epping Spartans, is actively recruiting volunteers and expressing the need for "boots on the ground" while describing itself as a "volunteer service protecting vulnerable residents, particularly women, children, and the elderly."
In an Instagram post of 19 August they claim charitable status: "This is a charity set-up team AND WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP." Their adverts also suggest they are DBS checked and have a police partnership.
Like Robinson's premium app model, the Essex Spartans deploy QR codes and donation platforms, claiming that funds will be used to develop their app and purchase equipment, including stab vests. On their fundraising page, the group suggests that "Contributions will help us equip our volunteers with radios, stab vests, protective clothing, and other essential gear - allowing us to respond safely and effectively. " An Instagram post on 24 August announced plans to launch street patrols on Friday, 29 August.
However, Byline Times can confirm that Essex Spartans isn't registered with the police or any local authorities, isn't recognised by community safety schemes, and despite their claims to the contrary, has no charitable status. Their services include offers to "listen without judgement if you don't feel comfortable speaking with family, or while waiting for mental health services, to walking you home if you feel you are being followed."
One of their banners features a shield with the words 'Child Protection.' A post on the group's Instagram page from 18 August states: "We are Epping Mothers, Fathers, Aunties and Uncles…" Their 'about' page describes them as volunteers with backgrounds ranging from ex-military personnel to concerned residents.
Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Police issued a warning to parents over the rise in child radicalisation, warning families to be alert to any signs their child may be being drawn into violent extremism.
Byline Times spoke to a former teacher who volunteers at the Epping Against Racism Network, part of the Stand Up to Racism Network, who told us: "There are serious safeguarding concerns. I find it deeply troubling that this group appear to be offering t...
Packed with exclusive investigations, analysis, and features
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Far-right groups across England are transforming extremist activism into premium lifestyle services, offering everything from personal safety escorts to lifestyle mentorship through apps, QR codes and subscription models.
Advertising services including walk-you-home escorts, street patrols, SOS apps, and premium mentorship, they are creating potential revenue streams that fund their broader political activities.
Paid Advice and Unregulated Patrols
At the top end far-right activist Tommy Robinson charges £28 per minute for coaching through the slick app Minnect, where followers can get his advice and viewpoints on topics related to anti-Islam activism and political commentary. However, across the country other local patrol groups are posing as charities and soliciting donations for 'equipment' while operating without police recognition.
Together they offer what can best be described as a new form of 'concierge nationalism', extremist ideology delivered as an on-demand lifestyle service. Robinson's model demonstrates the premium end of this commercialisation. However, at the grassroots level, groups like Essex Spartans deploy similar tactics.
This publication recently revealed that similar safeguarding patrols were launched in Bournemouth by far-right activist Gary Bartlett. We can reveal that this strategy has now moved into Epping, Essex, home to the Bell Hotel, housing asylum seekers and the scenes of recent unrest, where Reform UK candidates posed solely as 'concerned parents', while giving interviews concealing their political status.
Red Flags and Child Safeguarding Issues
A group, which formed this month, calling itself Essex Spartans, formerly Epping Spartans, is actively recruiting volunteers and expressing the need for "boots on the ground" while describing itself as a "volunteer service protecting vulnerable residents, particularly women, children, and the elderly."
In an Instagram post of 19 August they claim charitable status: "This is a charity set-up team AND WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP." Their adverts also suggest they are DBS checked and have a police partnership.
Like Robinson's premium app model, the Essex Spartans deploy QR codes and donation platforms, claiming that funds will be used to develop their app and purchase equipment, including stab vests. On their fundraising page, the group suggests that "Contributions will help us equip our volunteers with radios, stab vests, protective clothing, and other essential gear - allowing us to respond safely and effectively. " An Instagram post on 24 August announced plans to launch street patrols on Friday, 29 August.
However, Byline Times can confirm that Essex Spartans isn't registered with the police or any local authorities, isn't recognised by community safety schemes, and despite their claims to the contrary, has no charitable status. Their services include offers to "listen without judgement if you don't feel comfortable speaking with family, or while waiting for mental health services, to walking you home if you feel you are being followed."
One of their banners features a shield with the words 'Child Protection.' A post on the group's Instagram page from 18 August states: "We are Epping Mothers, Fathers, Aunties and Uncles…" Their 'about' page describes them as volunteers with backgrounds ranging from ex-military personnel to concerned residents.
Earlier this year, the Metropolitan Police issued a warning to parents over the rise in child radicalisation, warning families to be alert to any signs their child may be being drawn into violent extremism.
Byline Times spoke to a former teacher who volunteers at the Epping Against Racism Network, part of the Stand Up to Racism Network, who told us: "There are serious safeguarding concerns. I find it deeply troubling that this group appear to be offering t...
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