Far-right summit draws us officials, billionaires, and a shadowy elite
A gathering of increasingly radical political and financial figures is descending upon London this week, revealing a potent confluence of conservative ambition and deep-pocketed support – and raising serious questions about the direction of Western politics.
The alliance for responsible citizenship (arc) summit
The Alliance for Responsible Citizenship’s annual summit, dubbed an ‘anti-woke’ Davos, is attracting a constellation of controversial attendees: Reform UK MPs Sarah Pochin and Andrew Rosindell, alongside a veritable army of advisors, staff, and notably, British crypto billionaire Ben Delo, who has injected £4 million into Nigel Farage’s party. But perhaps more concerning than the well-publicized names is the presence of individuals conspicuously absent from the public eye – namely, two prominent figures from Eton College: Tom Arbuthnott, the school’s deputy head for partnerships, and Luke Martin, the theology master.
Martin, a former critic of Eton’s progressive shift, resigned in 2020 over the promotion of what he deemed a “so-called progressive ideology,” a stance he continues to uphold as master of divinity. He’ll be amongst the 4,000 attendees, representing over 85 countries, discussing strategies to ‘recover civilisational foundations’.
Us influence and deep pockets
The roster extends far beyond British politicians. US undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, Sarah B Rogers, known for her adversarial stance towards European liberal democracies, is confirmed. Furthermore, a state department official implicated in interference with UK abortion rights and online safety legislation, alongside Samuel Samson, who challenged Britain’s communications regulator on online safety laws, are expected. The gathering also boasts representatives from the Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), the group behind the overturning of Roe v Wade, and figures from JD Vance’s office, signaling a significant expansion of US influence in British political circles.
Corporate backing is equally substantial, with Johnson & Johnson, Palantir, BP, Philip Morris International, Rio Tinto, Airbus, Sanofi, RedBird Capital, and DP World – owned by the Dubai government – all securing a presence. The event's lavish scale, fuelled by donors like Paul Marshall of GB News and Legatum, dwarfs that of other conservative gatherings.
A climate of skepticism
The summit’s agenda reflects a growing resistance to mainstream narratives. Speakers will challenge net-zero policies and climate skepticism, echoing sentiments voiced by Marshall, who recently accused nations of sacrificing economic prosperity for ‘fractional changes’ to CO2 levels. MSI Reproductive Choices has voiced concern about the influx of US culture-war politics, highlighting the potential for exporting divisive ideologies. Professor Bale observes a “collapse of the border between the far and the centre-right,” with mainstream conservatives seemingly abandoning attempts to contain the insurgents on their flank.
Ultimately, this gathering isn’t just a conference; it’s a strategic assembly of individuals determined to reshape the global landscape – and it’s happening under the radar of many.