Extreme Right-wing group the United Patriots Front is starting a political party 0:31
UPF leader Blair Cottrell says the political party would be up and running in a few weeks
United Patriots Front to start political party called Fortitude
EXTREME Right-wing group the United Patriots Front is going from political activist group to political party, leader Blair Cottrell has announced via their Facebook page.
In a video showing Mr Cottrell surrounded by six other UPF members, he said the political party would be up and running within a few weeks.
The controversial group has gained thousands of supporters and critics for its hard-line position on Islamic immigration. It is expected its policies will centre on immigration and foreign policy.
“They stay there, we stay here. It’s as simple as that,” Mr Cottrell said.
“The solution to terrorism is to stop selling guns to terrorists, stop intervening in their conflicts and to close our borders.”
UPF deputy leader Thomas Sewell said Islamic people will be a “major thorn in our democratic process” in a few years’ time.
“Imagine what’s going to happen in 50 years’ time when there’s a 30 per cent Muslim vote,” Mr Sewell said.
“I’m telling you if we don’t get on top of this Islamic migration issue now, this will be an Islamic country in 50 years.”
Mr Cottrell said the party will be named Fortitude.
The group is planning to travel the east coast of Australia early next year holding rallies to promote their policies and gain support for the party.
Their announcement received overwhelming support from fans, with many asking how they could join the political party in their state.
“You guys are definitely getting my vote,” one man wrote on Facebook.
Shaun Cooksey said it was “the beginning of reclaiming our country”.
Michelle Elvey said it was “fantastic” news.
She added: “Aussies for real Aussies, you call it like it is, we need solid people to lead us all, good on you, you have my vote as I know & trust you will ban that evil ideology here!”
But the name of the party received mixed feedback, with many suggesting they stick to UPF.
One man said Fortitude sounds more like “a tribe name on the show, Survivor, or something”.
The move comes after Sydney man Diaa Mohamed unveiled The Australian Muslim Party last week.
Mr Mohammed said the political party would represent Australian Muslims and was set up to respond to a series of recently created anti-Islamic parties.
“Four or five anti-Islamic parties are being created and we thought we need to do something to address that,” Mr Mohamed said.
He was confident he would get the 500 signatures needed to allow the political party to forge ahead.
Among the other parties vying for a spot in the Senate is the Love Australia or Leave Party, launched by former SBS reality star, Kim Kuga, who is taking a stance against anything “un-Australian”, including Islamic teachings like Sharia Law.
Controversial Dutch MP Geert Wilders also flew to Australia last month to take part in the launch of the anti-Islam Australian Liberty Alliance political party in Perth.
The party has said full-face coverings should be banned in public spaces.
