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About
Paul Weston is a British far-right political activist and founder of the Liberty GB party, known for his anti-Islam advocacy, speeches, and involvement in counter-jihad movements. Born in 1963, he has a background in finance and business, having worked as a financial consultant, before entering politics. He gained prominence in the early 2010s through his outspoken criticism of multiculturalism, immigration, and what he perceives as the Islamization of Europe. In 2013, he established Liberty GB as a platform to promote traditional British values and oppose radical Islam, contesting the 2014 European Parliament elections where the party received minimal votes. Weston has been associated with other far-right figures, including a personal friendship with Tommy Robinson, the founder of the English Defence League. His activism has led to significant controversies and arrests for suspected hate speech, notably on February 6, 2014, in Winchester, England, for a suspected hate crime after quoting Winston Churchill's critical remarks on Islam during a speech at Winchester Cathedral. He was detained for several hours but released without charge, later criticizing the incident as an example of free speech suppression. The event drew international attention to his cause and bolstered his profile among far-right supporters. Weston has continued to speak at rallies and online, advocating for stricter immigration controls and the preservation of Western culture. He has faced accusations of Islamophobia and extremism from anti-fascist groups and mainstream media, though he maintains his views are a defense of British identity. Beyond politics, Weston has lived abroad, including in the United States and Asia, which he credits with shaping his worldview. His ideology aligns with nationalist and populist movements, and he has expressed support for Brexit and opposition to globalism. As of recent years, Weston remains active in online commentary and occasional public appearances, though Liberty GB has largely been inactive since the mid-2010s.