Founded in 1968 by Colin Jordan, the British Movement (BM) initially viewed itself as a highly intelligent, ideological and drilled physical force as an alternative to the democratic adventures of the National Front. 

The BM succeeded in attracting violent, racist thugs to its ranks, and its role in fomenting violence was recognised by the Home Secretary in 1981, a year in which 26 people were murdered in racist attacks. However, its desire to be viewed as the ideological and intellectual vanguard of the far right was never realised, and the BM was wound down in 1983 due to the efforts of senior member Ray Hill, who was also an anti-fascist working for Searchlight. 

It was promptly revived, albeit in diminished form, as the British National Socialist Movement (BNSM) by the Yorkshire-based activist Stephen Frost, who continues to head the tiny and extremely antisemitic organisation to this day. 

The BM effectively runs what is left of the Blood & Honour music network, breathing some life into the ailing organisation. The BM has tried to raise its profile by producing swathes of crude racist stickers, online magazines and podcasts, and using the messaging platform Telegram. In doing so, it has succeeded in recruiting a small number of younger activists to accompany the ageing skinheads. 

Historic antagonisms between the BM and other far-right groups have dissipated with time and the group often collaborates with other fascists in joint meetings and protests. For example, Frost and leading BM figure Mark Bullman (AKA Benny Bullman) of the nazi band Whitelaw often speak at the annual John Tyndall memorial event, organised by Heritage and Destiny, while BM members have been joined by Blood & Honour activists and Leeds hooligans at small protests against migrants and asylum seekers. 

BM’s North West branch has been rejuvenated by an influx of former Patriotic Alternative (PA) members, who had been active in both groups for several years before formally defecting in January 2025. The branch engages in regular banner drops and street stalls, with its activists performing Nazi salutes for its social media channels. 

BM activists also opened a gym for training martial arts in Manchester in late 2023, mimicking elements of the Active Club network. The gym was opened by John O’Brien, a former soldier convicted of involvement in the Dover riots in 2016. 

The BM is active in London, where Tim Ryan is the key figure, as well as the South East, Yorkshire, the East Midlands and Scotland. There is a smattering of support elsewhere, such as South Wales, but far less than in the past.