'Militant' trans group that urged people to 'target MPs with hammers' before Ann Widdecombe's death should be banned, ex-political violence tsar says

By MATT STRUDWICK, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 11:09, 27 July 2026 | Updated: 11:10, 27 July 2026 A 'militant' trans group that urged people to 'target MPs with hammers' before Ann Widdecombe's death should be banned, an ex-political violence tsar has said.  Labour peer Lord Walney said Bash Back 'should be next' and that Andy Burnham's government should act now 'against those who have crossed a line... before it is too late'.  The group posted a statement on its Instagram page in response to the Labour peer's call for it to be a proscribed terrorist organisation, saying: 'We completely reject the idea that we are a "terrorist" group. We are a non-violent direct action group that demands the total liberation of trans people, and opposes the rising tide of anti-trans bigotry.' Bash Back published a guide in April telling activists to create 'independent local cells', 'identify a target' and 'ensure your target can be hit repeatedly until they desist' from what the group considers 'transphobic' activities.  Potential 'targets' included MPs, organisations and political party conferences.  Bash Back describes itself as a 'trans-led direct action project' which is 'focused on total transgender liberation', within what they call 'a new era of trans rage' – yet add it is 'nonviolent'. The group laid out a step-by-step plan, warning members their actions would be 'rarely legal' – and could lead to being faced with charges including criminal damage, possession of an offensive weapon and aggravated trespass.  The pamphlet, labelled with the slogan 'smash transphobia', included advice on how an activist could escape justice after carrying out the attacks.  It also included a list of what the group deemed suitable equipment, including a hammer, and said members should remove traces of their identity through cleaning the tools with alcohol and chucking them away 'in unsurveilled residential bins'.  'Militant' trans group Bash Back that urged people to 'target MPs with hammers' before Ann Widdecombe's death should be banned, an ex-political violence tsar has said The pamphlet, labelled with the slogan 'smash transphobia', included advice on how an activist could escape justice after carrying out the attacks While activists were encouraged to steal the tools in order to avoid being caught.  Writing on X, Lord Walney called the group 'sinister, violent, and particularly disgusting given the news that Ann Widdecombe died after multiple hammer blows to the head'.  'We are right to prosecute people for supporting Palestine Action terrorism and Bash Back should be next,' he said. Former Tory MP and Reform UK spokesman Ms Widdecombe was found dead in her remote bungalow in Dartmoor on July 9.  Prosecutors told a court last week she had been hit with a hammer 21 times as she ate her lunch.  Joshua Kerry, 28, from South Yorkshire, has been charged with her murder and has been remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing on October 9.  Lord Walney told The Times he was making no suggestion about who was responsible for Ms Widdecombe's death or why and 'nobody should prejudge proceedings that are active'.  He added: 'However, it is a fair observation about Bash Back that in the days since her death, the group has withdrawn nothing.'  In a statement posted on Bash Back's Instagram page, the group said it 'did not condone causing physical harm to any human being'.  It criticised Lord Walney's comments after they came hours after the 'Islamist terror attack' at Berlin Pride in which a woman was killed and 29 others injured. The group said: 'Threatening a peaceful group of queer activists with proscription, the day after a horrific right-wing terrorist attack on Berlin Pride, smacks of cruel double standards.' Bash Back added that 'proscription is a tool of control wielded by the ruling class against those who challenge their power'.  Bash Back was created after a Supreme Court ruling last year that concluded on the definition of a woman in the Equality Act being based on biological sex. It said that its tactics focused on 'striking where it hurts'.  Bash Back's first public attack was on Wes Streeting's Ilford North constituency office in July last year, when it painted 'child killer' and smashed windows.  It followed puberty blockers being banned for children on the advice of medical experts and the Cass Review of gender identity services.  Sharing a photo in front of Mr Streeting's Office shortly after it had been damaged, Bash Back wrote: 'Don't want action? Don't kill kids.'  The group also targeted the offices of the Equality and Human Rights Commission and vandalised a feminist conference in Brighton last year.  Labour peer Lord Walney said Bash Back 'should be next [to be banned]' and that Andy Burnham's government should act now 'before it is too late' Bash Back's first public attack was on Wes Streeting's Ilford North constituency office in July last year, smashing windows and daubing 'child killer' on the shop front - a reference to the Health Secretary's views on puberty blockers for children A security briefing on the group, as reported by The Mail on Sunday, revealed the group has gone to extensive lengths to hide its identity, including removing internal metadata from public documents and using ultra-secure email systems.  The security memo wrote: 'Given the first attack was on the office of an HM Gov minister, almost certainly the group responsible will be investigated by security services.' Activists engaged in criminal activity could be among the near 3,000 profiles following Bash Back across social media platforms, the security document added. The paper also uncovered the group's plans to form 'cells' and plot criminal damage offences against high-profile targets. The gender warriors said: 'If you think we're done, you've got another thing coming. MP or PM, you've seen us once, we'll see you again.' A list of other potential marks include the Free Speech Union and feminist organisation Sex Matters.  Meanwhile, JK Rowling called for politicians last year to 'finally' take the threats of violence from activists seriously.  The author and women's rights campaigner referenced Bash Back's plans to focus on the offices of MPs.  Ms Rowling wrote on X: 'Who knows, now that trans activists aren't only stalking, harassing, doxxing, threatening and physically assaulting women, our politicians might finally take the violence that's such a key feature of this totalitarian movement seriously.' 'Doxxing' refers to spitefully releasing private documents or personal details. Bash Back previously said: 'We take action to stand up for ourselves in a country that is increasingly hostile to trans people, because the traditional modes of protest are not working due to the sheer amount of money from billionaires like Rowling funnelled into opposition to our rights and freedoms.  'We never go out of our way to cause harm to any human being and discourage and condemn actions that do so.'  A Home Office spokesman said: 'While the right to protest is fundamental to our democracy, this cannot cross the line into intimidation, unlawful or violent behaviour. 'Those doing so will face the full force of the law.' The Daily Mail has contacted Bash Back for comment.