The Rise of the Far Right: Lessons from the Past, Action for the Future…

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Co-hosted by the Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre, the Centre for Equity and Inclusion, and Stand Up To Racism.

London Met has a long tradition of challenging racism and discrimination through both education and action. With one of the most diverse student populations in the sector, our mission to transform lives through the power of education has never been more urgent. The rise of the far right—visible in recent anti-refugee protests and September’s large-scale march in Britain—shows how fragile progress can be. This event brings together researchers, campaigners and community voices to reflect on what history can teach us and how we can act now to resist division and build a more inclusive future.

Research at London Met underpins everything we do – from teaching led by experts in their fields to partnering with local, national and international organisations to deliver meaningful impact to the challenges faced by society today.

About the hosts

Centre for Equity and Inclusion (CEI)

The CEI is the catalyst for London Met’s commitment to social justice, embedding equity and inclusion across pedagogy, the student experience and workplace culture.

Global Diversities and Inequalities Research Centre (GDIRC)

The GDIRC leads interdisciplinary research on migration, diasporas, nations and localities, examined through the lenses of diversity and inequality.

Stand Up To Racism (SUTR)

SUTR is a UK-wide movement challenging racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism and the rise of the far right. They mobilise communities through demonstrations, campaigns and education to counter racist narratives and misinformation.

About the Panel

Michal Garapich is a Professor of Sociology in the School of Social Sciences and Professions. Michal has authored more than 70 publications, including 3 monographs focusing on migration related issues. His recent research focuses on transnational far-right politics. He is the Principal Investigator of the ESRC-funded study Everyday Transnationalism of the Far Right: An Interdisciplinary Study of Polish Immigrants’ Participation in Far-Right Groups in Britain (2023–26). Michal will introduce the short film That Boy, produced as part of this project.

This powerful and challenging film explores identity, hate, fear, radicalisation and oppression through an unprecedented dialogue between a former neo-Nazi and Toby Gorniak, a Roma refugee from Poland. Their conversation exposes the forces that shape choices and the human impact of extremist ideologies.

Toby Gorniak MBE is an award-winning creative practitioner, choreographer and youth mentor, recognised with an MBE for services to young people and community cohesion. A Roma refugee from Poland, he has dedicated his career to using dance, storytelling and dialogue to challenge prejudice and promote inclusion. His lived experience provides a unique perspective on resilience, identity and the dangers of extremism.

Samira Ali is a long-standing anti-racist activist and community organiser with Stand Up To Racism. She has led local and national campaigns tackling Islamophobia and anti-refugee narratives, working directly with grassroots groups to build solidarity and amplify marginalised voices.

Eva Colwell is a campaigner with Stand Up To Racism, focusing on education and youth engagement. She works with schools, colleges and community networks to raise awareness of racism, antisemitism and the far-right threat, encouraging young people to become active in anti-racist movements.

Paul Holborow is a founding member of Stand Up To Racism with a long history in anti-fascist organising. He has played a central role in mobilising campaigns and demonstrations against the far right across the UK, combining activist experience with political analysis of contemporary racism and extremism.

Panel Facilitator, Mia Nembhard (she/her) is Senior Inclusive Communities Manager in the Centre for Equity and Inclusion at London Met. Her work focuses on creating an environment that celebrates cultural diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for students, staff, and local communities. Working across the University, Mia leads initiatives that strengthen inclusion practice, equitable representation and organisational culture. Alongside her work in education, Mia is a freelance host, delivering discussions on topics such as healing from systemic violence.

About the event

17:00 – 17:15 Arrival

17:15 – 17:25 Welcome – Professor Julie Hall, Vice-Chancellor

17:25 – 17:35 Opening remarks – Islington Stand Up to Racism

17:35 – 17:50 Introduction to That Boy - Professor Michal Garapich

17:50 – 18:35 Film screening – That Boy

18:35 – 19:10 Panel discussion

19:10 – 19:40 Audience Q&A

19:40 – 20:30 Refreshments and networking