LONDON — Tentative links are developing between supporters of the Tea Party movement in the United States and right-wing fringe groups in Britain that are opposed to what they call the "Islamification" of Europe.
The movements are not formally aligned, but the relatively new English Defense League — which warns that Islamic fundamentalism will soon engulf Britain — is seeking guidance and inspiration from some U.S. figures taking a similar stance.
The British activists are less drawn to the anti-tax, anti-big-government Tea Party message and more attracted to elements taking an active stance against the spread of Islam, like Rabbi Nachum Shifren, a long-shot Republican candidate for the California state legislature who plans to visit England next week in a trip sponsored in part by the English Defense League.
The trip was organized by Roberta Moore, an English Defense League activist who has formed a "Jewish division" of the group. She said the rabbi will speak at an Oct. 24 rally in London.
"He plans to speak about the dangers of Islamification both in this country and in America," Moore said.
Matthew Goodwin, a University of Nottingham professor, said the links being developed with American activists are potentially important.
"Going to the United States is particularly interesting because the far right in Britain has never gone that way, it has always gone toward Europe," he said. "If it did forge strong links to the Tea Party, it would be important because the Tea Party has significant resources."