A former government advisor on political violence has called for the banning of the trans group Bash Back, citing its past calls for activists to "target MPs with hammers." Lord Walney, a Labour peer and former tsar, stated that the group should be proscribed, arguing that the government should act against those who have "crossed a line" before it is too late.
Bash Back published a guide in April that advised activists to form "independent local cells," "identify a target," and "ensure your target can be hit repeatedly until they desist" from activities deemed "transphobic." Potential targets included Members of Parliament, organizations, and political party conferences. The group describes itself as a "trans-led direct action project" focused on "total transgender liberation" and a "new era of trans rage," while also asserting that its actions are "nonviolent."
The group's pamphlet, which included the slogan "smash transphobia," outlined a step-by-step plan for actions that would be "rarely legal," potentially leading to charges such as criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. It also offered advice on how to evade justice and suggested equipment, including a hammer, with instructions to dispose of tools in "unsurveilled residential bins" to avoid detection.
Lord Walney, writing on X, described Bash Back as "sinister, violent, and particularly disgusting given the news that Ann Widdecombe died after multiple hammer blows to the head." He drew a parallel to the prosecution of individuals for supporting the group Palestine Action, stating that Bash Back "should be next." Ann Widdecombe, a former Conservative MP, was found dead in her home on July 9, having been allegedly struck with a hammer multiple times. A suspect, Joshua Kerry, has been charged with her murder.
Lord Walney clarified that he was not suggesting any connection between Bash Back and Ms. Widdecombe's death, emphasizing that no one should prejudge active legal proceedings. However, he noted that the group had not withdrawn any statements in the days following her death.
In a statement on Instagram, Bash Back rejected the characterization of being a "terrorist" group and stated that 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, and suggested that threatening queer activists with proscription while not addressing "right-wing terrorist attacks" demonstrated "cruel double standards." Bash Back views proscription as a tool used by the ruling class to control dissent.
The group was formed after a Supreme Court ruling concerning the definition of a woman in the Equality Act. Its past actions include targeting Wes Streeting's constituency office in July of the previous year, where windows were smashed and "child killer" was painted on the storefront, a reference to the Health Secretary's stance on puberty blockers for children. Bash Back stated at the time, "Don't want action? Don't kill kids."
Bash Back also targeted the offices of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and vandalized a feminist conference in Brighton. Security assessments suggest the group has taken extensive measures to conceal its identity, employing secure communication methods and removing metadata from documents. Reports indicate plans to form "cells" and plot criminal damage against high-profile targets, with messages like "MP or PM, you've seen us once, we'll see you again."
Other potential targets mentioned include the Free Speech Union and the organization Sex Matters. Author J.K. Rowling previously called for politicians to take threats of violence from activists seriously, referencing Bash Back's targeting of MPs' offices.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that while the right to protest is fundamental, it must not devolve into intimidation or unlawful behavior, and those who violate these boundaries will face legal consequences.