Labour MP Peter Swallow found himself unable to provide a clear definition of “ethno-nationalism” during a challenging interview on GB News, despite being asked the same question three times by presenter Martin Daubney.
The exchange followed Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s Labour conference speech, in which she warned that patriotism was transforming into something more akin to ethno-nationalism.
Martin pressed Mr Swallow on what ethno-nationalism means
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When Martin pressed Mr Swallow to explain the term, the MP initially responded by expressing pride in being a Labour representative and discussing the party’s history.
After the presenter interrupted to repeat his question, Mr Swallow attempted to discuss policies regarding contributions to the country, praising Ms Mahmood’s speech but still avoiding a direct definition of the controversial term.
Ms Mahmood expressed concern about the rise of ethno-nationalism in her keynote Labour conference speech
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Martin persisted with his inquiry for a third time, emphasising the need for a straightforward response to what he called “a basic question” about the Home Secretary’s assertion that patriotism was deteriorating into ethno-nationalism.
The MP finally offered a partial explanation, stating that those who believe only a single community possesses value and merit in Britain were promoting ethno-nationalism, which he condemned as wrong.
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Rather than elaborating on this definition or addressing the specific concerns raised about Ms Mahmood’s rhetoric, Swallow redirected the conversation towards broader themes.
He spoke about contrasting approaches to determining who could contribute to British society, whilst continuing to commend the Home Secretary’s conference address without directly engaging with the presenter’s core question about the meaning and implications of the term.
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When Martin challenged him to identify who specifically was promoting such views, and questioned whether it was appropriate to compare British patriots who participated in a London demonstration to historical dark periods, the MP shifted his response entirely.
Mr Swallow acknowledged that many demonstrators had legitimately exercised their freedom of expression, but immediately highlighted that officers had been assaulted during the event and participants had faced intimidation.
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GB NEWSHe then pivoted to discussing Elon Musk’s call for revolution, describing it as “something very different” from peaceful protest.
The MP concluded by urging resistance against hatred and division whilst advocating for an ambitious national vision, effectively sidestepping Martin’s direct questions about the Home Secretary’s controversial historical comparisons and the specific targets of her ethno-nationalism accusations.
During her conference address, Ms Mahmood had characterised a September demonstration in London as evidence of far-right attempts to exclude Muslims and ethnic minorities from British identity.
The Home Secretary stated that whilst not all of the 110,000 to 150,000 participants were violent, some were, resulting in injuries to 26 police officers.
She noted that although not every demonstrator chanted racist slogans, some did, making clear their belief that she had no place in Britain.
Ms Mahmood warned that dismissing the event would mean overlooking a broader phenomenon occurring throughout the country, describing how “patriotism, a force for good, is turning into something smaller” – specifically into ethno-nationalism that cannot accept someone of her appearance and faith as genuinely English or British.