This presentation analyses the political dynamics of the English Defence League. Highlighting that the EDL holds several characteristics that distinguish it from Britain’s tradition of largely anti-Semitic far-right ideologies, it draws on the ideas of Hans George Betz. In particular, it uses Betz’ concept of nativism to highlight that the EDL’s ideology can be placed in a newer trend of far-right populism, typified by Gert Wilders and other contemporary European far-right populist ideologues and movements. The EDL combines this broad ideology with the structure of a social movement lacking a clear programmatic vision for change, and so focuses on direct action campaigns that often lead to public disorder.