Far-right party Britain First is pretty upset with Twitter users
Far-right group Britain First don’t sound too happy with Twitter users – who it says are a bunch of “trolls and leftists”.
The group, which rallies against diversity, boasted more than 1.1 million followers – making it the largest political social media page in the UK.
Despite a strong social media presence on Facebook – which critics say is partly down to appropriating animal rights memes – the group has struggled to convert its following into a force outside of the platform.
The party fielded a candidate in the Rochester and Strood by-election in 2014, but attracted just 56 votes – below the Monster Raving Loony Party.
In its end of year message, the group explained that it has “the popular website and social media reach in the UK” among political parties.
However, when it came to explaining its Twitter following – just 6200 people follow the group – Britain First didn’t sound too happy.
Twitter, BF explained, is “a nest of trolls and leftists”.
And they’re not the ones being dumped because, guess what Twitter? Britain First is breaking up with you!
The group insisted that it is “deliberately ignoring” Twitter, adding: “Twitter does not concern us.”
The italics are theirs. Seems pretty concerned if you ask us.
In November, Facebook briefly shut down the group’s page under hate speech rules.
A notification from Facebook shared by the group says: “Your Page is currently not visible on Facebook. It looks like content posted on your Page doesn’t follow the Facebook Terms and Community Standards, so your page was unpublished.
“While people can use Facebook to challenge ideas, instittuions and practices, Facebook removes hate speech.
“Hate speech includes content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, sex, gender or gender identity, or serious disabilities or diseases.”
However, the decision was reverted within hours after “censorship” complaints.
