Commons Leader Releases Handbook on ‘Conspiracy Theories’ for Parliamentarians
Penny Mordaunt expresses concern over the alarming spread of conspiracy theories and their damaging impact on British democracy.
The leader of the House of Commons has issued guidance to help politicians identify and counteract “conspiracy theories.”
On Tuesday, MP Penny Mordaunt revealed a guide to conspiracy theories, in collaboration with the Antisemitism Policy Trust, emphasizing their destructive effect on “trust in democratic institutions.”
Commissioned by Ms. Mordaunt, the comprehensive report was compiled by various organizations, including Full Fact, Tell MAMA, and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD).
The report identifies and discusses eight prevalent conspiracy theories in the UK, such as 15-minute cities, the Great Reset, and climate lockdowns, which have witnessed a surge in recent years.
Threat
Ms. Mordaunt stated, “The rise of conspiracy theories across the UK is deeply troubling. They are intentional efforts to disseminate misinformation and instill fear.
“If left unchallenged, there is a risk of the public being deceived and potentially harmed.
“These campaigns also pose a threat to the integrity of our democracy. It is crucial that we equip the public and their representatives with the necessary tools to address this phenomenon.”
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The report emphasizes that conspiracy theories pose a significant threat to democracies by undermining trust in various institutions and promoting baseless narratives that erode the fundamentals of democratic governance.
It defines conspiracy theories as theories that involve a covert group or organization with malevolent intentions seeking to disrupt established systems, often employing various proxies to disguise their actions.
The report also highlights the intertwined nature of many conspiracy theories with anti-Jewish sentiments.
Climate Lockdowns
The report delves into the concept of “climate lockdowns,” addressing the belief that climate change is exploited to implement “green tyranny” by exerting state control and curtailing civil liberties.
ISD investigates this topic in the report, revealing funding sources from various government departments, foundations, and institutions, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and George Soros’s Open Society Foundation.
The Antisemitism Policy Trust observes that the war in Ukraine has provided fertile ground for conspiratorial narratives.
It notes that adherents of such narratives often adopt contrary positions to mainstream views, rejecting widely held concepts as mere products of conformity.
The report draws attention to the use of dehumanizing rhetoric against Jewish individuals by Russian authorities and the incitement of hatred against them and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
WEF
The report also highlights the popularity of Danish MP Ida Auken’s statement “you’ll own nothing and be happy,” published on the World Economic Forum (WEF) website. This statement evolved into a meme mocking the perceived techno-communist stance of the WEF.
As the report nears its conclusion, MPs are cautioned against perpetuating conspiracy theories, as it can undermine the credibility and trust of public institutions and the government.
Other topics covered include chemtrails, QAnon, and the Great Replacement.
Labour’s Lucy Powell, Ms. Mordaunt’s counterpart, commended the guide as essential reading for MPs and candidates to combat misinformation effectively and safeguard communities and the nation from harm.
Danny Stone, CEO of the Antisemitism Policy Trust, stressed the need for parliamentarians to recognize and refrain from promoting conspiracy theories, particularly those with antisemitic undertones.
PA Media contributed to this report.
