The reported leader of banned organisation National Action has been charged with encouragement to commit murder, relating to Labour MP Rosie Cooper.

Christopher Lythgoe, 31, has also been charged with belonging to a proscribed organisation, along with five other men.

One of the men, a 22-year-old, was also charged with the intention of committing acts of terrorism and threats to kill.

Ms Cooper, MP for West Lancashire, said: "I would like to thank everyone involved in this case, especially the counter-terrorism police, for keeping me, my staff and the public safe.

"There remains an ongoing criminal investigation so it would not be appropriate for me to comment further."


The men were arrested as part of an investigation into the far-right group, which was banned under terrorism laws in December 2016.

Image: The group was banned in 2016

The charges come as a result of a co-ordinated investigation by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North East and North West, supported by Wales Extremism and Counter Terrorism Unit and Wiltshire Police, who executed a number of warrants and searched properties across England and Wales.

The men are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Friday.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd banned the group last year, which meant that being a member of or inviting support for the organisation is a criminal offence and carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Last month, 11 people across England and Wales were arrested over links to National Action, as part of the co-ordinated crackdown.

In the official list of proscribed groups, National Action is described as a "racist neo-Nazi group" that was established in 2013 and has branches across the UK which "conduct provocative street demonstrations and stunts aimed at intimidating local communities".

The phrase "Death to traitors, freedom for Britain!" appeared alongside the listing for National Action's website on Google before it was taken down.

The same phrase was said by Labour MP Jo Cox's killer, Thomas Mair, in court.