GMB: Ex-Far Right activist on moment he realised he was 'scum'
During Thursday's edition of Good Morning Britain, hosts Kate Garraway and Ed Balls delved into the ongoing riots erupting across the nation.
In a gripping segment, they spoke with Matt Collins, a former high-ranking member of the National Front who has since become a champion for Hope not Hate, an organisation dedicated to combating racism and fascism.
Matt recounted a harrowing incident from his past that occurred in a library, which he described as a pivotal moment in his life.
He recounted: "My colleagues and I, from the National Front and the British National Party the BMP, went to a meeting to exercise our right to free speech."
"We got into this meeting and we saw we were outnumbered, we overpowered the people in there who were mainly women, mainly Asian women. They attacked them, we attacked them," reports the Mirror.
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Matt detailed the brutal encounter involving hammers, chairs and tables, which tragically led to 17 individuals being hospitalised.
Kate Garraway audibly gasped in horror as Matt unveiled the grim details of the event. He then shared a chilling epiphany he had mid-assault when he observed the victims on the ground.
Matt added: "I looked at the people I was with who were stamping on the heads of these people and I realised, these people on the floor are the ones who care about me, these are the ones who have these petitions to keep libraries open, to keep hospitals open, these were the good people.".
"I actually thought we were the good guys, standing up for race and nation. I stood there, and I thought, 'You know what? I'm absolute scum', that's what I am for doing this."
The guest confessed that at that moment, he began to doubt the purpose of his actions, pondering how violence could possibly benefit him, his community, or his race.
He continued: "I'm on the wrong side, I got it totally, totally wrong."
Matt explained to the presenters that among those currently involved in riots and spreading vitriol online, some will inevitably experience an epiphany, realising their grave mistake.
Twitter soon erupted with commendations for Matt's candidness about his profound transformation, as numerous individuals expressed admiration for his changed perspective.
One user expressed: "Respect to a brother who can change his mind. Takes a lot that."
Another tweeted: "Well done @GMB your guest this morning felt like a positive Great Britain."
A third person enthused: "This is one of the most powerful interviews I've seen. There is hope."
Good Morning Britain continues weekdays on ITV from 6am.
