Britain’s rioters have acted like Bolsheviks

British riots are not a new phenomenon. They were regular occurrences throughout history and usually the spark that lit the tinder was a sense of grievance that the authorities were refusing to deal with. In our century, governments have better technological means to stay attuned to public opinion. But the recent outbreaks of violent protest have taken government and parliament by surprise, and the rioting and looting may not have reached its peak.

Far-right political militants have undoubtedly helped to instigate the troubles on our streets, and the question arises: are they employing a model of far-left activism that led to the Bolshevik seizure of power Russia in October 1917? Some features are very reminiscent. Bolshevism in Russia fed off the resentments of garrison soldiers who objected to a diet of lentils and workers who feared the closure of their factories by owners facing bankruptcy. Bolsheviks in every city organised demonstrations through city centres.