How Pauline Hanson courts UK’s far-right – and builds a global brand – with ‘pseudo events’ and publicity stunts

Pauline Hanson, the Australian Senator and leader of the One Nation party, has recently drawn significant attention through a series of high-profile meetings with prominent figures from the UK's far-right scene. These encounters, described by some analysts as part of a calculated strategy, aim to enhance her visibility both domestically and internationally while reinforcing connections within the broader far-right movement. During her visit to the United Kingdom, Hanson has met with several controversial individuals, including Holly Valance, a pop star turned radical-right figure, members of Reform UK, and Tommy Robinson, a well-known far-right activist and convicted criminal. Her itinerary includes participation in an upcoming long-form podcast with Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. This meeting follows Yaxley-Lennon's appearance on Karl Stefanovic’s podcast earlier this year, which resulted in Channel Nine cutting ties with Stefanovic due to the controversial nature of the discussion. Yaxley-Lennon, who is known for his strong anti-Islamic stance and support for Russia's actions in Ukraine, has faced legal challenges over his rhetoric. He received a five-year stalking protection order and has been convicted twice for contempt of court. In 2024, he was jailed for making false claims about a 15-year-old Syrian refugee despite a court injunction against such statements. Despite these legal issues, his influence remains substantial among certain segments of the far-right community. Hanson’s decision to engage with Yaxley-Lennon appears to be strategically aligned with the broader goal of increasing her platform and visibility. While the video of Yaxley-Lennon’s previous appearance was removed from various platforms, One Nation re-shared the interview on its social media channels, potentially amplifying its reach. According to Dr. Imogen Richards, a criminology researcher at Deakin University, such interactions serve as "pseudo events" designed primarily for publicity rather than genuine policy dialogue. These maneuvers, according to Richards, are intended to shift the Overton window—the range of acceptable positions in public discourse—towards more extreme viewpoints. She noted that Hanson’s growing popularity means her actions leading up to the federal election cannot be overlooked or dismissed as mere attempts to attract attention. Analysts from the anti-fascist group White Rose Society argue that these meetings contribute to the "attention economy," fostering a shared hostility towards the normalization of violence against non-white communities. They emphasize the importance of accurately identifying the agendas behind such gatherings rather than merely reporting on them without context. A spokesperson for White Rose Society highlighted concerns regarding how media often reports on these events, either in their own terms or in a diluted form. They suggested that the narratives promoted by figures like Hanson and Yaxley-Lennon focus on portraying themselves as bold individuals unafraid to share their views, regardless of the content itself. Dr. Kurt Sengul, a far-right researcher at Macquarie University, pointed out that One Nation does not shy away from generating negative headlines. For the party, such controversies reinforce its narrative of being a victim of mainstream media and political establishments. Unlike traditional political parties that strive to avoid controversy, One Nation leverages these situations to bolster its image as an alternative voice in the political landscape. As the federal election approaches, the implications of these strategic engagements remain uncertain. However, they underscore the evolving dynamics within the political sphere, where visibility and alignment with influential figures can significantly impact a party's trajectory. The ongoing interplay between domestic and international far-right movements continues to shape the contours of contemporary political discourse.