Former government adviser on political violence Lord Walney has called on ministers to consider banning the militant transgender activist group Bash Back, citing the group’s history of targeting Members of Parliament and political figures. Writing recently, Walney argued that the conduct of Bash Back warrants closer scrutiny and should be evaluated against the criteria that led to the proscription of the group Palestine Action.

Bash Back, a transgender-led direct action collective, gained notoriety after vandalising the office of then-Health Secretary Wes Streeting in July 2025. The group has advocated for what it describes as a “new era of trans rage” and has been reported to encourage members to organize local cells aimed at repeatedly targeting MPs, political organizations, and party conferences it views as “transphobic.”

In leaked materials, Bash Back reportedly issued a guide instructing activists to arm themselves and commit acts described as “direct action,” acknowledging that these tactics would often be illegal. The guide advised members to “identify a target” and “ensure your target can be hit repeatedly until they desist,” raising concerns about the group’s approach to political activism.

Lord Walney highlighted the seriousness of the group’s actions, pointing to recent developments in a separate legal case in which former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe was attacked with a hammer, sustaining multiple blows to the head. While Walney refrained from attributing responsibility during ongoing proceedings, he noted Bash Back had not withdrawn any of its materials that included imagery of masked activists wielding hammers or the guide encouraging violent tactics.

Despite these warnings, Bash Back maintains that it is a non-violent organization and asserts that it instructs activists not to inflict harm on individuals. Nevertheless, the guide it circulated openly acknowledges that the recommended actions would “rarely” comply with legal standards.

In a statement this week, Bash Back pledged to “resist” the administration of Andy Burnham, accusing him of appointing “bigots and authoritarians” to senior positions. The group specifically named Wes Streeting, Yvette Cooper, Shabana Mahmood, and Bridget Phillipson as targets of its opposition.

The evolving debate over Bash Back’s activities and potential designation as a proscribed organisation raises broader questions about balancing political activism, civil liberties, and the prevention of violence in the current political landscape. Ministers have yet to indicate whether they are considering formal restrictions on the group, but voices like Lord Walney’s suggest increased government attention may be forthcoming.