A major far right rally controversy has erupted after shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick was photographed at an anti asylum protest in Essex. Labour has condemned his presence at the event, which included a veteran far right activist with neo Nazi ties.
Jenrick shared photos on social media showing him outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where violent clashes have occurred between police and demonstrators. One image showed him near a woman wearing a shirt reading “Send them home.” More alarmingly, Eddy Butler—a former British National Party (BNP) strategist—appeared in the background.
Labour swiftly denounced Jenrick, calling his attendance “a disgrace.” A party spokesperson stated: “This protest was organized by far-right elements and attended by someone with deep neo Nazi connections. Jenrick either knew this and didn’t care, or showed staggering poor judgment.”
Butler, a key figure in the BNP’s rise, boasted online about Jenrick’s appearance, writing: “At the Bell Hotel, riding shotgun for Robert Jenrick, pretender to the Tory leadership.” Far-right groups have since amplified the images, using them to legitimize their cause.
Jenrick claimed he spoke only with “peaceful, patriotic protesters” and had “no idea” who Butler was. However, critics argue that engaging with such demonstrations risks normalizing extremist rhetoric.
Labour has demanded action from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, asking whether she will discipline Jenrick. “Badenoch must show leadership and prove she can stand against this challenge to basic decency,” the Labour spokesperson said.
Anti-racism campaigners also criticized Jenrick. Lewis Nielsen of Stand Up to Racism said: “These aren’t concerned locals—they’re far right activists. Jenrick is courting Reform UK voters while empowering fascists.”
Butler’s involvement deepens the far right rally controversy. A former National Front member, he helped create the BNP’s violent “stewards” group in the 1990s, which later evolved into the neo-Nazi terrorist faction Combat 18. His presence at the protest underscores the event’s extremist ties. The far-right rally controversy has intensified scrutiny on Jenrick and the Conservatives’ stance on immigration protests.
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