The Nazis › Recognising and reporting modern extremism
Recognising and reporting modern extremism
The ideas that drove Nazism have not gone away. This page explains common warning signs of extremism today and how to report concerns in the UK.
Why connect history to today?
Studying the Nazi regime is not only about the past. Extremist groups today sometimes draw on the same hatred, including antisemitism, racism and the dehumanising of minorities, and sometimes use other ideas altogether. The aim of this page is to help you recognise harmful patterns and know where to go for help. It does not describe any group's symbols or slogans.
Warning signs
No single sign proves anything, and it is normal to hold strong political views. Be concerned when several of these appear together, or when they are escalating:
- Dehumanising language about a group of people, such as comparing them to vermin or diseases.
- Scapegoating a whole group for social or economic problems.
- Conspiracy theories claiming that a hidden group secretly controls events. These are a common thread in antisemitic extremism.
- Denying or celebrating genocide, including Holocaust denial.
- Us-versus-them thinking that leaves no room for doubt, debate or compromise.
- Glorifying violence, or showing admiration for people who commit attacks.
- Withdrawal from family and friends, a sudden change of friends or online communities, and secrecy about online activity.
- Online echo chambers where hatred is shared as "jokes" and gradually becomes normal.
How it spreads
Extremists often recruit through social media, games, forums and messaging apps, using humour, grievance or a sense of belonging. They target people who feel lonely, angry or unfairly treated. Understanding how propaganda worked in the 1930s helps to see the same techniques at work: simple messages, a clear enemy and a promise of belonging.
How to report in the UK
According to local council guidance, you can use these routes:
- Emergency: call 999, or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321, to report an immediate threat to life or property.
- Suspicious activity or an individual you are concerned about: report online at ireportit.uk, or contact the police in confidence on 0800 789 321.
- A friend or loved one: ACT Early (actearly.uk) offers advice and support if you are worried about someone.
- Prevent referral: Prevent is the early-intervention programme which can offer support to people at risk of being drawn into extremism. Your local council or police force can explain how to make a referral.
- Anonymously: Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Hate crime and hate incidents
A hate incident is anything the victim or another person perceives as motivated by prejudice or hate, such as racism, antisemitism, anti-religious hatred or hostility based on sexuality or transgender identity. If it breaks the law, it is a hate crime. You can report these by calling 101 for non-emergencies, via the True Vision website (report-it.org.uk) or through other routes listed on local council pages. You do not have to want the case prosecuted in order to report it. Call 999 if someone is in danger.
Talking to someone you are worried about
- Stay calm, listen, and avoid ridicule, which can push people closer to the group.
- Ask open questions about where they got their ideas.
- Challenge claims with facts, using trusted sources.
- Keep the relationship going and encourage other interests and friendships.
- Get advice from ACT Early if you are unsure what to do.
Online
Report extremist or hateful content to the platform, and to the police if it threatens or encourages violence. Avoid sharing the content, even to criticise it.
Contact details here come from public council guidance and may change, so check the official sites.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I call about suspected extremism in the UK?
Call 999 for an immediate threat. For other concerns, council guidance lists reporting at ireportit.uk, the confidential police line on 0800 789 321 and ACT Early for worries about a friend or relative.
What is Prevent?
Prevent is the UK's early-intervention programme that supports people at risk of being drawn into extremism. Your local council or police can explain how to make a referral.
How do I report a hate crime?
Call 101 for non-emergencies, use the True Vision website, or call 999 if someone is in danger.