A former government adviser on political violence has called for the proscription of the trans group Bash Back, citing its alleged encouragement of violence against Members of Parliament. Lord Walney, a Labour peer and former adviser, stated that the group "should be next" to face government action.
Bash Back has previously published a guide that reportedly advised activists to create independent cells, identify targets, and take repeated action until the targeted activities cease. Potential targets included MPs, organizations, and political party conferences. The group described itself as a "trans-led direct action project" focused on "total transgender liberation" and stated that its actions are "nonviolent."
The group's guide, under the slogan "smash transphobia," allegedly detailed steps for activists to evade justice, including advice on disposing of tools like hammers with alcohol and discarding them in residential bins to remove traces of identity. The pamphlet also reportedly suggested stealing tools to avoid detection.
Lord Walney linked the group's alleged incitement to violence with the recent death of former MP Ann Widdecombe. Widdecombe was found dead on July 9, having been reportedly struck with a hammer multiple times. Joshua Kerry, 28, has been charged with her murder. Lord Walney clarified that he was not suggesting any connection between Bash Back and Widdecombe's death, nor suggesting anyone should prejudge the ongoing legal proceedings. However, he noted that the group had not retracted its statements following her death.
In a statement on its Instagram page, Bash Back denied being a "terrorist" group and stated it "did not condone causing physical harm to any human being." The group criticized Lord Walney's comments, particularly in light of a recent attack at Berlin Pride. Bash Back asserted that "proscription is a tool of control wielded by the ruling class against those who challenge their power."
The group's creation followed a Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman in the Equality Act. Bash Back stated its tactics focus on "striking where it hurts." The group's first publicly acknowledged action was the vandalism of Wes Streeting's Ilford North constituency office in July of the previous year, where windows were smashed and the words "child killer" were spray-painted. This action was linked to Health Secretary's views on puberty blockers for children.
Bash Back also claimed responsibility for targeting the offices of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and vandalizing a feminist conference in Brighton. A security briefing reportedly indicated that the group has taken extensive measures to conceal its identity, including removing metadata from documents and using secure communication methods. The briefing also suggested the group plans to form "cells" and plot offenses involving criminal damage against high-profile targets.
JK Rowling previously called on politicians to take threats of violence from activists seriously, referencing Bash Back's focus on MP offices. She stated that "trans activists aren't only stalking, harassing, doxxing, threatening and physically assaulting women," implying a need for politicians to address the issue.
Bash Back has responded by saying, "We take action to stand up for ourselves in a country that is increasingly hostile to trans people, because the traditional modes of protest are not working." The group maintains it "never go out of our way to cause harm to any human being and discourage and condemn actions that do so."
A Home Office spokesperson stated, "While the right to protest is fundamental to our democracy, this cannot cross the line into intimidation, unlawful or violent behaviour. Those doing so will face the full force of the law."