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The paper has been criticised for spreading [[COVID-19 misinformation]], [[Antisemitism|antisemitic conspiracy theories]] and [[Holocaust denial]].{{refn|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gourlay |first=Kris |date=2022-03-01 |title=Furious Edinburgh M&S shopper spots 'anti-vax' newspaper displayed in store |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/furious-edinburgh-ms-shopper-spots-23251981 |access-date=2022-04-17 |website=Edinburgh Live |language=en |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523200415/https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/furious-edinburgh-ms-shopper-spots-23251981 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Felton">{{cite web |last=Felton |first=James |title=Stroud residents challenge The Light's 'support for Holocaust Denial' |url=https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/19884525.stroud-residents-challenge-lights-support-holocaust-denial/ |website=[[Stroud News & Journal]] |access-date=2022-04-17 |language=en |date=2021-01-29 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503050800/https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/19884525.stroud-residents-challenge-lights-support-holocaust-denial/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pritchett |first=Mark |title=Anti-vaccine paper 'pedals conspiracy theory madness' |url=https://www.wellington-today.co.uk/news/anti-vaccine-paper-pedals-conspiracy-theory-madness-490849 |website=[[Wellington Weekly News]] |access-date=2022-05-14 |date=2021-01-29 |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616000242/https://www.wellington-today.co.uk/news/anti-vaccine-paper-pedals-conspiracy-theory-madness-490849 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-03-20 |title=Covid-19 leaflets: How pandemic disinformation went offline |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/56420379 |access-date=2022-05-14 |archive-date=14 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514125911/https://www.bbc.com/news/56420379 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Felton |first=James |title=Protest against controversial newspaper in Stroud |url=https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/22954591.protest-merrywalks-light-newspaper-stroud/ |website=Stroud News & Journal |access-date=7 November 2022 |language=en |date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107122828/https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/22954591.protest-merrywalks-light-newspaper-stroud/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Derrick |first=Maya |title=Fury as anti-vax conspiracy newspaper delivered to Norwich homes |url=https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/23241437.norwich-conspiracy-newspaper-light-delivered-homes/ |website=[[Norwich Evening News]] |access-date=15 January 2023 |language=en |date=11 January 2023 |archive-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112172527/https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/23241437.norwich-conspiracy-newspaper-light-delivered-homes/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Davies |first1=Philippa |title=Conspiracy 'newspaper' being distributed around Sidmouth |url=https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/23271855.conspiracy-newspaper-distributed-around-sidmouth/ |website=[[Sidmouth Herald]] |access-date=8 February 2023 |language=en |date=24 January 2023 |archive-date=8 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208140952/https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/23271855.conspiracy-newspaper-distributed-around-sidmouth/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Dacombe-2021">{{cite journal |last=Dacombe |first=Rod |last2=Souter |first2=Nicole |last3=Westerlund |first3=Lumi |name-list-style=amp |date=2021 |title=Research note: Understanding offline Covid-19 conspiracy theories: A content analysis of The Light "truthpaper" |url=https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/research-note-understanding-offline-covid-19-conspiracy-theories-a-content-analysis-of-the-light-truthpaper |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003135301/https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/research-note-understanding-offline-covid-19-conspiracy-theories-a-content-analysis-of-the-light-truthpaper/ |archive-date=3 October 2022 |journal=Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review |doi=10.37016/mr-2020-80 |s2cid=237613394 |issn=2766-1652 |access-date=3 October 2022}}</ref><ref name=":0" />}} It regularly prints articles written by conspiracy theorist [[Vernon Coleman]],<ref name="Waterson"/> and according to a review from [[Harvard Kennedy School]] "includes content that is aimed at prompting participation and activism amongst adherents of conspiracy theories, rather than simply presenting information".<ref name="Dacombe-2021"/> |
The paper has been criticised for spreading [[COVID-19 misinformation]], [[Antisemitism|antisemitic conspiracy theories]] and [[Holocaust denial]].{{refn|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gourlay |first=Kris |date=2022-03-01 |title=Furious Edinburgh M&S shopper spots 'anti-vax' newspaper displayed in store |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/furious-edinburgh-ms-shopper-spots-23251981 |access-date=2022-04-17 |website=Edinburgh Live |language=en |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523200415/https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/furious-edinburgh-ms-shopper-spots-23251981 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Felton">{{cite web |last=Felton |first=James |title=Stroud residents challenge The Light's 'support for Holocaust Denial' |url=https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/19884525.stroud-residents-challenge-lights-support-holocaust-denial/ |website=[[Stroud News & Journal]] |access-date=2022-04-17 |language=en |date=2021-01-29 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503050800/https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/19884525.stroud-residents-challenge-lights-support-holocaust-denial/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Pritchett |first=Mark |title=Anti-vaccine paper 'pedals conspiracy theory madness' |url=https://www.wellington-today.co.uk/news/anti-vaccine-paper-pedals-conspiracy-theory-madness-490849 |website=[[Wellington Weekly News]] |access-date=2022-05-14 |date=2021-01-29 |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616000242/https://www.wellington-today.co.uk/news/anti-vaccine-paper-pedals-conspiracy-theory-madness-490849 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-03-20 |title=Covid-19 leaflets: How pandemic disinformation went offline |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/56420379 |access-date=2022-05-14 |archive-date=14 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514125911/https://www.bbc.com/news/56420379 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Felton |first=James |title=Protest against controversial newspaper in Stroud |url=https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/22954591.protest-merrywalks-light-newspaper-stroud/ |website=Stroud News & Journal |access-date=7 November 2022 |language=en |date=30 September 2022 |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107122828/https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/22954591.protest-merrywalks-light-newspaper-stroud/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Derrick |first=Maya |title=Fury as anti-vax conspiracy newspaper delivered to Norwich homes |url=https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/23241437.norwich-conspiracy-newspaper-light-delivered-homes/ |website=[[Norwich Evening News]] |access-date=15 January 2023 |language=en |date=11 January 2023 |archive-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112172527/https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/23241437.norwich-conspiracy-newspaper-light-delivered-homes/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Davies |first1=Philippa |title=Conspiracy 'newspaper' being distributed around Sidmouth |url=https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/23271855.conspiracy-newspaper-distributed-around-sidmouth/ |website=[[Sidmouth Herald]] |access-date=8 February 2023 |language=en |date=24 January 2023 |archive-date=8 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208140952/https://www.sidmouthherald.co.uk/news/23271855.conspiracy-newspaper-distributed-around-sidmouth/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Dacombe-2021">{{cite journal |last=Dacombe |first=Rod |last2=Souter |first2=Nicole |last3=Westerlund |first3=Lumi |name-list-style=amp |date=2021 |title=Research note: Understanding offline Covid-19 conspiracy theories: A content analysis of The Light "truthpaper" |url=https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/research-note-understanding-offline-covid-19-conspiracy-theories-a-content-analysis-of-the-light-truthpaper |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003135301/https://misinforeview.hks.harvard.edu/article/research-note-understanding-offline-covid-19-conspiracy-theories-a-content-analysis-of-the-light-truthpaper/ |archive-date=3 October 2022 |journal=Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review |doi=10.37016/mr-2020-80 |s2cid=237613394 |issn=2766-1652 |access-date=3 October 2022}}</ref><ref name=":0" />}} It regularly prints articles written by conspiracy theorist [[Vernon Coleman]],<ref name="Waterson"/> and according to a review from [[Harvard Kennedy School]] "includes content that is aimed at prompting participation and activism amongst adherents of conspiracy theories, rather than simply presenting information".<ref name="Dacombe-2021"/> |
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Although the company behind the paper was dissolved on 15 February 2021,<ref>{{cite web |last=Felton |first=James |title=Company behind 'controversial newspaper' The Light dissolves |url=https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/19942609.company-behind-controversial-newspaper-light-dissolves/ |website=Stroud News and Journal |access-date=2022-04-17 |language=en |date=2021-02-22 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503050756/https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/19942609.company-behind-controversial-newspaper-light-dissolves/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in June 2023 was reported to be printing at least 100,000 copies a month |
Although the company behind the paper was dissolved on 15 February 2021,<ref>{{cite web |last=Felton |first=James |title=Company behind 'controversial newspaper' The Light dissolves |url=https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/19942609.company-behind-controversial-newspaper-light-dissolves/ |website=Stroud News and Journal |access-date=2022-04-17 |language=en |date=2021-02-22 |archive-date=3 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503050756/https://www.stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk/news/19942609.company-behind-controversial-newspaper-light-dissolves/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in June 2023, the paper was reported to be printing at least 100,000 copies a month. It also has more than 18,000 followers on the messaging platform [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]].<ref name="Spring">{{cite web |last=Spring |first=Marianna |author-link=Marianna Spring |date=11 June 2023 |title=The Light: Inside The UK’s Conspiracy Theory Newspaper That Shares Violence And Hate |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65821747 |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=12 June 2023}}</ref> |
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==Claims== |
==Claims== |
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It has called for modern-day [[Nuremberg trials]] for journalists, repeatedly referenced conspiracy theories concerning [[Agenda 21]] and the [[Great Reset]], and criticised the [[COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom]] by comparing vaccination efforts to Nazi [[Extermination camp|extermination camps]].<ref name="Waterson"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Waveney |first=Harry |title=Inside The Anti-Lockdown Movement: How America's Paranoid Conspiracy Culture Arrived In Wales |url=https://www.voice.wales/inside-americas-paranoid-conspiracy-culture-how-it-arrived-in-wales/ |website=voice.wales |access-date=2022-05-20 |date=2021-08-08 |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223211714/https://www.voice.wales/inside-americas-paranoid-conspiracy-culture-how-it-arrived-in-wales/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=David |date=2022-06-30 |title=Turning Off "The Light": the conspiracist newspaper promoting the far right |url=https://hopenothate.org.uk/2022/06/30/turning-off-the-light-the-conspiracist-newspaper-promoting-the-far-right/ |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=[[Hope Not Hate]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304134849/https://hopenothate.org.uk/2022/06/30/turning-off-the-light-the-conspiracist-newspaper-promoting-the-far-right/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The paper was also found to have spread false claims concerning vaccines, COVID-19 and COVID-19 death figures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Grace |date=2021-07-20 |title=Free paper repeats falsehoods on deaths following vaccination |url=https://fullfact.org/online/the-light-vaccines/ |access-date=2022-05-14 |website=Full Fact |language=en |archive-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519230227/https://fullfact.org/online/the-light-vaccines/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perrin |first=Isabella |title=Council slams newspaper for spreading anti-Covid messages around Bracknell |url=https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19441772.covid-19-hoax-newspaper-light-slammed-bracknell-forest-council/ |access-date=2022-05-14 |website=Bracknell News |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027135613/https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19441772.covid-19-hoax-newspaper-light-slammed-bracknell-forest-council/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-01 |last=Bracken |first=Ali |title=Anti-vaccine paper pushes 'conspiracy propaganda' |url=https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/anti-vaccine-paper-pushes-conspiracy-propaganda-40708069.html |access-date=2022-05-14 |website=Independent |language=en |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426174715/https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/anti-vaccine-paper-pushes-conspiracy-propaganda-40708069.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-16 |title=Pfizer documents do not reveal dangers of Covid-19 vaccine |url=https://factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com.329Y6J4 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=Fact Check |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304135655/https://factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com.329Y6J4 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
It has called for modern-day [[Nuremberg trials]] for journalists, repeatedly referenced conspiracy theories concerning [[Agenda 21]] and the [[Great Reset]], and criticised the [[COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom]] by comparing vaccination efforts to Nazi [[Extermination camp|extermination camps]].<ref name="Waterson"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Waveney |first=Harry |title=Inside The Anti-Lockdown Movement: How America's Paranoid Conspiracy Culture Arrived In Wales |url=https://www.voice.wales/inside-americas-paranoid-conspiracy-culture-how-it-arrived-in-wales/ |website=voice.wales |access-date=2022-05-20 |date=2021-08-08 |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223211714/https://www.voice.wales/inside-americas-paranoid-conspiracy-culture-how-it-arrived-in-wales/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=David |date=2022-06-30 |title=Turning Off "The Light": the conspiracist newspaper promoting the far right |url=https://hopenothate.org.uk/2022/06/30/turning-off-the-light-the-conspiracist-newspaper-promoting-the-far-right/ |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=[[Hope Not Hate]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304134849/https://hopenothate.org.uk/2022/06/30/turning-off-the-light-the-conspiracist-newspaper-promoting-the-far-right/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The paper was also found to have spread false claims concerning vaccines, COVID-19 and COVID-19 death figures.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Grace |date=2021-07-20 |title=Free paper repeats falsehoods on deaths following vaccination |url=https://fullfact.org/online/the-light-vaccines/ |access-date=2022-05-14 |website=Full Fact |language=en |archive-date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519230227/https://fullfact.org/online/the-light-vaccines/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perrin |first=Isabella |title=Council slams newspaper for spreading anti-Covid messages around Bracknell |url=https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19441772.covid-19-hoax-newspaper-light-slammed-bracknell-forest-council/ |access-date=2022-05-14 |website=Bracknell News |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027135613/https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19441772.covid-19-hoax-newspaper-light-slammed-bracknell-forest-council/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-01 |last=Bracken |first=Ali |title=Anti-vaccine paper pushes 'conspiracy propaganda' |url=https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/anti-vaccine-paper-pushes-conspiracy-propaganda-40708069.html |access-date=2022-05-14 |website=Independent |language=en |archive-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426174715/https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/anti-vaccine-paper-pushes-conspiracy-propaganda-40708069.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-16 |title=Pfizer documents do not reveal dangers of Covid-19 vaccine |url=https://factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com.329Y6J4 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=Fact Check |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304135655/https://factcheck.afp.com/doc.afp.com.329Y6J4 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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⚫ | The paper has printed articles by Holocaust denier John Hamer and recommended books by [[white supremacist]] [[Eustace Mullins]]'' |
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⚫ | The paper has also been criticised by the anti-racist group [[Hope not Hate]] for its support of the [[Far-right politics in the United Kingdom|far-right]] by interviewing anti-Islam party politician [[Anne Marie Waters]], printing articles co-authored by the [[English Democrats]] chair [[Robin Tilbrook]] and [[Heritage Party (UK)|Heritage Party]] leader [[David Kurten]], and promoting material by [[Mark Collett]], the leader of the fascist group [[Patriotic Alternative]].<ref name=":0" /> According to its founder, he is in communication with the editor of the German far-right conspiracy theory publication '' |
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In September 2022, ''The Light'' shared an article written by far-right conspiracy theorist [[Paul Joseph Watson]] claiming that [[Lyudmyla Denisova]], the former [[Ombudsman in Ukraine|Ombudsman for Human Rights in Ukraine]], had admitted to lying about the Russian military committing rape crimes in Ukraine. The [[disinformation]] analysis group [[Logically (company)|Logically]] found that Denisova had only accepted her use of inappropriate language in describing the rape crimes, but had not admitted to lying about said crimes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kulkarni |first=Ankita |date=September 26, 2022 |title=False: Former Ukrainian Human Rights Chief Lyudmila Denisova admitted to lying about the Russian military committing rape crimes in Ukraine. |url=https://www.logically.ai/factchecks/library/9c717014 |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=[[Logically (company)|Logically]] |language=en-gb |archive-date=1 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101060114/https://www.logically.ai/factchecks/library/9c717014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
In September 2022, ''The Light'' shared an article written by far-right conspiracy theorist [[Paul Joseph Watson]] claiming that [[Lyudmyla Denisova]], the former [[Ombudsman in Ukraine|Ombudsman for Human Rights in Ukraine]], had admitted to lying about the Russian military committing rape crimes in Ukraine. The [[disinformation]] analysis group [[Logically (company)|Logically]] found that Denisova had only accepted her use of inappropriate language in describing the rape crimes, but had not admitted to lying about said crimes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kulkarni |first=Ankita |date=September 26, 2022 |title=False: Former Ukrainian Human Rights Chief Lyudmila Denisova admitted to lying about the Russian military committing rape crimes in Ukraine. |url=https://www.logically.ai/factchecks/library/9c717014 |access-date=2023-01-01 |website=[[Logically (company)|Logically]] |language=en-gb |archive-date=1 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101060114/https://www.logically.ai/factchecks/library/9c717014 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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In November 2022, ''The Irish Light'' ran a headline with the phrase 'Died Suddenly' connected to marketing efforts around the release of [[Died Suddenly (2022 film)|an independent anti-vaccine film of the same name]]. In this issue, the paper used the images of 42 deceased individuals, claiming they had died suddenly in Ireland due to being vaccinated. Upon investigation, none of the deaths were found to be due to vaccines and were instead found to be caused by incidents such as drowning, long-term illness, car accidents and other random events. The misuse of the names and images of the deceased individuals being used to promote anti-vaccine conspiracy theories was reported to have caused severe distress among family members of the bereaved.<ref>{{cite web |last=LaCapria |first=Kim |date=2022-11-23 |title='Died Suddenly' and the 'Irish Light' - |url=https://www.truthorfiction.com/died-suddenly-and-the-irish-light/ |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=[[TruthOrFiction.com]] |language=en-us |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123145337/https://www.truthorfiction.com/died-suddenly-and-the-irish-light/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Adrian |date=2022-12-20 |title=Did Leaked Data Show Pfizer Vaccine Would Kill?! |url=https://www.techarp.com/facts/leaked-data-pfizer-vaccine-kill/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Tech ARP |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-05-03 |title=Is this anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist the next Alex Jones? |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-65412798 |access-date=2023-05-04}}</ref> |
In November 2022, ''The Irish Light'' ran a headline with the phrase 'Died Suddenly' connected to marketing efforts around the release of [[Died Suddenly (2022 film)|an independent anti-vaccine film of the same name]]. In this issue, the paper used the images of 42 deceased individuals, claiming they had died suddenly in Ireland due to being vaccinated. Upon investigation, none of the deaths were found to be due to vaccines and were instead found to be caused by incidents such as drowning, long-term illness, car accidents and other random events. The misuse of the names and images of the deceased individuals being used to promote anti-vaccine conspiracy theories was reported to have caused severe distress among family members of the bereaved.<ref>{{cite web |last=LaCapria |first=Kim |date=2022-11-23 |title='Died Suddenly' and the 'Irish Light' - |url=https://www.truthorfiction.com/died-suddenly-and-the-irish-light/ |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=[[TruthOrFiction.com]] |language=en-us |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123145337/https://www.truthorfiction.com/died-suddenly-and-the-irish-light/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wong |first=Adrian |date=2022-12-20 |title=Did Leaked Data Show Pfizer Vaccine Would Kill?! |url=https://www.techarp.com/facts/leaked-data-pfizer-vaccine-kill/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Tech ARP |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-05-03 |title=Is this anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist the next Alex Jones? |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-trending-65412798 |access-date=2023-05-04}}</ref> |
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== Far-right links == |
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⚫ | The paper has printed articles by [[Holocaust denial|Holocaust denier]] John Hamer and recommended books by [[white supremacist]] [[Eustace Mullins]], and has featured an article by blogger Lasha Darkmoon, who said people should be able to question the Holocaust.''<ref name=":0" /><ref name="Spring" />'' It also defended radio host Graham Hart, who was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment after making [[Antisemitism|antisemitic]] remarks on his radio show in which he characterized Jewish people as "filth" and "rats" who "deserve to be wiped out".<ref>{{cite web |last=Spring |first=Marianna |date=2023-06-11 |title=The Light: Inside the UK’s conspiracy theory newspaper that shares violence and hate |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-65821747.amp |access-date=2023-06-11 |website=BBC.com |publisher=[[BBC News]]}}</ref><ref><nowiki>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-17 |title=Why are people in Stroud handing out a paper that defends Holocaust denial and antisemitism? |url=</nowiki>https://communitysolidaritystrouddistrict.org/2022/05/17/hart-antisemitism/ |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Community Solidarity Stroud District |language=en |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107200801/https://communitysolidaritystrouddistrict.org/2022/05/17/hart-antisemitism/ |url-status=live </ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Light |url=https://amplifystroud.com/the-light/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107200901/https://amplifystroud.com/the-light/ |archive-date=7 November 2022 |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Amplify Stroud |language=en-GB}}</ref> The paper also regularly references the far-right [[Cultural Marxism conspiracy theory]], which has similar roots in antisemitism, and has promoted the neo-Nazi propaganda film ''[[Europa: The Last Battle]]'' on its [[Telegram (software)|Telegram]] channel.<ref name=":0" /> |
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⚫ | The paper has also been criticised by the anti-racist group [[Hope not Hate]] for its support of the [[Far-right politics in the United Kingdom|far-right]] by interviewing anti-Islam party politician [[Anne Marie Waters]], printing articles co-authored by the [[English Democrats]] chair [[Robin Tilbrook]] and [[Heritage Party (UK)|Heritage Party]] leader [[David Kurten]], and promoting material by [[Mark Collett]], the leader of the fascist group [[Patriotic Alternative]].<ref name=":0" /> According to its founder, he is in communication with the editor of the German far-right conspiracy theory publication {{Ill|Demokratischer Widerstand|lt=''Demokratischer Widerstand''|de}}, which has stated that it is a "partner" newspaper of ''The Light''.<ref name="Spring" /> |
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==Distribution== |
==Distribution== |
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The paper is purchased via private [[Facebook]] groups and [[Twitter]] contacts and then distributed by volunteers who are instructed to airdrop copies through letterboxes or abandon the paper in public spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=Mike |date=2023-04-04 |title=Mike Gregory has seen ‘The Light’ |url=https://northwestbylines.co.uk/news/mike-gregory-has-seen-the-light/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=North West Bylines |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404182433/https://northwestbylines.co.uk/news/mike-gregory-has-seen-the-light/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Anti-lockdown newspapers delivered around Bracknell about how Covid-19 is 'a hoax' |url=https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19439938.covid-19-conspiracy-theory-newspaper-delivered-bracknell-residents/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Bracknell News |language=en}}</ref> Local leaders in towns across the country have accused the publication of "inflaming division and harassment with false and misleading claims about vaccines, the financial system and climate change".<ref name="Spring"/> Its distributers have also been criticised for deliberately targeting teenagers and children.{{refn|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buckley |first=Christine |date=2021-07-03 |title=Conspiracy theory newspaper found circulating in Cambs |url=https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/local-news/conspiracy-theory-newspaper-covid-hoax-20963265 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=CambridgeshireLive |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304134858/https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/local-news/conspiracy-theory-newspaper-covid-hoax-20963265 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mills |first=Frankie |date=2021-01-18 |title=Anger as 'anti-vax' propaganda posted in Devon |url=https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/anger-totnes-covid-anti-vax-4901962 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=DevonLive |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304134858/https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/anger-totnes-covid-anti-vax-4901962 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Council slams newspaper for spreading anti-Covid messages around Bracknell |url=https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19441772.covid-19-hoax-newspaper-light-slammed-bracknell-forest-council/ |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=Bracknell News |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027135613/https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19441772.covid-19-hoax-newspaper-light-slammed-bracknell-forest-council/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Sirrell">{{cite web |last=Sirrell |first=Ollie |date=23 January 2022 |title=The Light anti coronavirus vaccine newspaper posted around Slough |url=https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/19868403.light-anti-coronavirus-vaccine-newspaper-posted-around-slough/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123115217/https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/19868403.light-anti-coronavirus-vaccine-newspaper-posted-around-slough/ |website=Slough & South Bucks Observer |archive-date=23 January 2022 |access-date=4 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dacombe |first=Rod |date=24 November 2021 |title=Conspiracy theories about the pandemic are spreading offline as well as through social media |url=http://theconversation.com/conspiracy-theories-about-the-pandemic-are-spreading-offline-as-well-as-through-social-media-167418 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304135402/http://theconversation.com/conspiracy-theories-about-the-pandemic-are-spreading-offline-as-well-as-through-social-media-167418 |archive-date=4 March 2023 |website=The Conversation |access-date=4 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mills |first=Kelly-Ann |last2=Tobin |first2=Olivia |name-list-style=amp |date=2021-05-06 |title=Covid 'rag' being posted through doors sparks fury with fake news about vaccines |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/covid-rag-being-posted-through-24049196 |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=mirror |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928040443/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/covid-rag-being-posted-through-24049196 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-30 |title=Totnes Mayor hits out at ‘truth’ paper |url=https://www.dartmouth-today.co.uk/news/totnes-mayor-hits-out-at-truth-paper-343994 |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=Dartmouth Chronicle |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318143408/https://www.dartmouth-today.co.uk/news/totnes-mayor-hits-out-at-truth-paper-343994 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Darren |date=29 September 2021 |title=Anti-vaccine 'truthpaper' which says Covid is hoax given out on streets of Doncaster |work=Doncaster Free Press |url=https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/anti-vaccine-truthpaper-which-says-covid-is-hoax-given-out-on-streets-of-doncaster-3400120 |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318143410/https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/anti-vaccine-truthpaper-which-says-covid-is-hoax-given-out-on-streets-of-doncaster-3400120 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Darren |date=7 October 2021 |title=Anti-vaxx, Covid-denying 'truthpaper' slammed for targeting teenagers in Doncaster |work=Doncaster Free Press |url=https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/anti-vaxx-covid-denying-truthpaper-slammed-for-targeting-teenagers-in-doncaster-3411244 |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318143413/https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/anti-vaxx-covid-denying-truthpaper-slammed-for-targeting-teenagers-in-doncaster-3411244 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Darren |date=1 February 2022 |title=Fresh fury as Covid conspiracy paper on counters at Doncaster newsagents |work=Doncaster Free Press |url=https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/fresh-fury-as-covid-conspiracy-paper-on-counters-at-doncaster-newsagents-3550578 |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318143415/https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/fresh-fury-as-covid-conspiracy-paper-on-counters-at-doncaster-newsagents-3550578 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} |
The paper is purchased via private [[Facebook]] groups and [[Twitter]] contacts and then distributed by volunteers who are instructed to airdrop copies through letterboxes or abandon the paper in public spaces.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gregory |first=Mike |date=2023-04-04 |title=Mike Gregory has seen ‘The Light’ |url=https://northwestbylines.co.uk/news/mike-gregory-has-seen-the-light/ |access-date=2023-04-17 |website=North West Bylines |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404182433/https://northwestbylines.co.uk/news/mike-gregory-has-seen-the-light/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Anti-lockdown newspapers delivered around Bracknell about how Covid-19 is 'a hoax' |url=https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19439938.covid-19-conspiracy-theory-newspaper-delivered-bracknell-residents/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |website=Bracknell News |language=en}}</ref> Local leaders in towns across the country have accused the publication of "inflaming division and harassment with false and misleading claims about vaccines, the financial system and climate change".<ref name="Spring"/> Its distributers have also been criticised for deliberately targeting teenagers and children.{{refn|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buckley |first=Christine |date=2021-07-03 |title=Conspiracy theory newspaper found circulating in Cambs |url=https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/local-news/conspiracy-theory-newspaper-covid-hoax-20963265 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=CambridgeshireLive |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304134858/https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/local-news/conspiracy-theory-newspaper-covid-hoax-20963265 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mills |first=Frankie |date=2021-01-18 |title=Anger as 'anti-vax' propaganda posted in Devon |url=https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/anger-totnes-covid-anti-vax-4901962 |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=DevonLive |language=en |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304134858/https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/anger-totnes-covid-anti-vax-4901962 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Council slams newspaper for spreading anti-Covid messages around Bracknell |url=https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19441772.covid-19-hoax-newspaper-light-slammed-bracknell-forest-council/ |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=Bracknell News |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027135613/https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/19441772.covid-19-hoax-newspaper-light-slammed-bracknell-forest-council/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Sirrell">{{cite web |last=Sirrell |first=Ollie |date=23 January 2022 |title=The Light anti coronavirus vaccine newspaper posted around Slough |url=https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/19868403.light-anti-coronavirus-vaccine-newspaper-posted-around-slough/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123115217/https://www.sloughobserver.co.uk/news/19868403.light-anti-coronavirus-vaccine-newspaper-posted-around-slough/ |website=Slough & South Bucks Observer |archive-date=23 January 2022 |access-date=4 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Dacombe |first=Rod |date=24 November 2021 |title=Conspiracy theories about the pandemic are spreading offline as well as through social media |url=http://theconversation.com/conspiracy-theories-about-the-pandemic-are-spreading-offline-as-well-as-through-social-media-167418 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304135402/http://theconversation.com/conspiracy-theories-about-the-pandemic-are-spreading-offline-as-well-as-through-social-media-167418 |archive-date=4 March 2023 |website=The Conversation |access-date=4 March 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mills |first=Kelly-Ann |last2=Tobin |first2=Olivia |name-list-style=amp |date=2021-05-06 |title=Covid 'rag' being posted through doors sparks fury with fake news about vaccines |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/covid-rag-being-posted-through-24049196 |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=mirror |language=en |archive-date=28 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928040443/https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/covid-rag-being-posted-through-24049196 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-30 |title=Totnes Mayor hits out at ‘truth’ paper |url=https://www.dartmouth-today.co.uk/news/totnes-mayor-hits-out-at-truth-paper-343994 |access-date=2023-03-18 |website=Dartmouth Chronicle |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318143408/https://www.dartmouth-today.co.uk/news/totnes-mayor-hits-out-at-truth-paper-343994 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Darren |date=29 September 2021 |title=Anti-vaccine 'truthpaper' which says Covid is hoax given out on streets of Doncaster |work=Doncaster Free Press |url=https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/anti-vaccine-truthpaper-which-says-covid-is-hoax-given-out-on-streets-of-doncaster-3400120 |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318143410/https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/anti-vaccine-truthpaper-which-says-covid-is-hoax-given-out-on-streets-of-doncaster-3400120 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Darren |date=7 October 2021 |title=Anti-vaxx, Covid-denying 'truthpaper' slammed for targeting teenagers in Doncaster |work=Doncaster Free Press |url=https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/anti-vaxx-covid-denying-truthpaper-slammed-for-targeting-teenagers-in-doncaster-3411244 |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318143413/https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/anti-vaxx-covid-denying-truthpaper-slammed-for-targeting-teenagers-in-doncaster-3411244 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Darren |date=1 February 2022 |title=Fresh fury as Covid conspiracy paper on counters at Doncaster newsagents |work=Doncaster Free Press |url=https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/fresh-fury-as-covid-conspiracy-paper-on-counters-at-doncaster-newsagents-3550578 |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318143415/https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/fresh-fury-as-covid-conspiracy-paper-on-counters-at-doncaster-newsagents-3550578 |url-status=live }}</ref>}} |
Revision as of 00:44, 13 June 2023
Founded | 27 September 2020 |
---|---|
Language | English |
Website | thelightpaper.co.uk |
Free online archives | Yes |
The Light is a self-published, monthly British conspiracy theory newspaper founded by Darren Nesbitt (frequently under the pseudonym Darren Smith) on 27 September 2020,[1] which claims the COVID-19 pandemic was a hoax. The paper has a sister publication named The Irish Light.
The paper has been criticised for spreading COVID-19 misinformation, antisemitic conspiracy theories and Holocaust denial.[11] It regularly prints articles written by conspiracy theorist Vernon Coleman,[1] and according to a review from Harvard Kennedy School "includes content that is aimed at prompting participation and activism amongst adherents of conspiracy theories, rather than simply presenting information".[9]
Although the company behind the paper was dissolved on 15 February 2021,[12] in June 2023, the paper was reported to be printing at least 100,000 copies a month. It also has more than 18,000 followers on the messaging platform Telegram.[13]
Claims
The print publication regularly makes conspiratorial claims surrounding Bill Gates and world leaders, promotes climate change denial and claims vaccines are weaponized mind control devices.[1][14]
It has called for modern-day Nuremberg trials for journalists, repeatedly referenced conspiracy theories concerning Agenda 21 and the Great Reset, and criticised the COVID-19 restrictions in the United Kingdom by comparing vaccination efforts to Nazi extermination camps.[1][15][10] The paper was also found to have spread false claims concerning vaccines, COVID-19 and COVID-19 death figures.[16][17][18][19]
In September 2022, The Light shared an article written by far-right conspiracy theorist Paul Joseph Watson claiming that Lyudmyla Denisova, the former Ombudsman for Human Rights in Ukraine, had admitted to lying about the Russian military committing rape crimes in Ukraine. The disinformation analysis group Logically found that Denisova had only accepted her use of inappropriate language in describing the rape crimes, but had not admitted to lying about said crimes.[20]
In November 2022, The Irish Light ran a headline with the phrase 'Died Suddenly' connected to marketing efforts around the release of an independent anti-vaccine film of the same name. In this issue, the paper used the images of 42 deceased individuals, claiming they had died suddenly in Ireland due to being vaccinated. Upon investigation, none of the deaths were found to be due to vaccines and were instead found to be caused by incidents such as drowning, long-term illness, car accidents and other random events. The misuse of the names and images of the deceased individuals being used to promote anti-vaccine conspiracy theories was reported to have caused severe distress among family members of the bereaved.[21][22][23]
Far-right links
The paper has printed articles by Holocaust denier John Hamer and recommended books by white supremacist Eustace Mullins, and has featured an article by blogger Lasha Darkmoon, who said people should be able to question the Holocaust.[10][13] It also defended radio host Graham Hart, who was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment after making antisemitic remarks on his radio show in which he characterized Jewish people as "filth" and "rats" who "deserve to be wiped out".[24][25][26] The paper also regularly references the far-right Cultural Marxism conspiracy theory, which has similar roots in antisemitism, and has promoted the neo-Nazi propaganda film Europa: The Last Battle on its Telegram channel.[10]
The paper has also been criticised by the anti-racist group Hope not Hate for its support of the far-right by interviewing anti-Islam party politician Anne Marie Waters, printing articles co-authored by the English Democrats chair Robin Tilbrook and Heritage Party leader David Kurten, and promoting material by Mark Collett, the leader of the fascist group Patriotic Alternative.[10] According to its founder, he is in communication with the editor of the German far-right conspiracy theory publication Demokratischer Widerstand , which has stated that it is a "partner" newspaper of The Light.[13]
Distribution
The paper is purchased via private Facebook groups and Twitter contacts and then distributed by volunteers who are instructed to airdrop copies through letterboxes or abandon the paper in public spaces.[27][28] Local leaders in towns across the country have accused the publication of "inflaming division and harassment with false and misleading claims about vaccines, the financial system and climate change".[13] Its distributers have also been criticised for deliberately targeting teenagers and children.[39]
After copies of the paper were distributed in Stroud, residents protested against the paper, stating: "...we are alarmed by The Light's use of the pandemic to push support for antisemitism, Holocaust denial and racist hate speech - as well as for denial of climate change, NHS-bashing, and other reactionary views."[3][40]
Siobhan Baillie, the MP for Stroud, called anti-vaccine misinformation "dangerous, damaging and disrespectful" and later raised concerns in Parliament, stating: "Will the secretary of state assist me in to reassure Stroud about the vaccines and encourage people not to share Covid information from unofficial sources to stop this dangerous, damaging and disrespectful behaviour."[41][42]
Simon Fell, the MP for Furness, said of the paper: "This is a 'paper' set up by a conspiracy theorist who makes a pretty penny from selling t-shirts about global conspiracies. The only advice I can give people is to wash their hands after popping it in the recycling bin. Last time I looked there was no shortage of toilet roll anymore and people had stopped stockpiling. Consequently I can't imagine the demand for this will be high."[43][44]
Neil O'Brien, MP for Market Harborough has also criticised the paper.[45] After being distributed in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria's Director of Public Health levied a similar criticism against its contents.[46][47]
References
- ^ a b c d Waterson, Jim (27 November 2020). "How an anti-lockdown 'truthpaper' bypasses online factcheckers". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
- ^ Gourlay, Kris (1 March 2022). "Furious Edinburgh M&S shopper spots 'anti-vax' newspaper displayed in store". Edinburgh Live. Archived from the original on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
- ^ a b Felton, James (29 January 2021). "Stroud residents challenge The Light's 'support for Holocaust Denial'". Stroud News & Journal. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
- ^ Pritchett, Mark (29 January 2021). "Anti-vaccine paper 'pedals conspiracy theory madness'". Wellington Weekly News. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ "Covid-19 leaflets: How pandemic disinformation went offline". BBC News. 20 March 2021. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ Felton, James (30 September 2022). "Protest against controversial newspaper in Stroud". Stroud News & Journal. Archived from the original on 7 November 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
- ^ Derrick, Maya (11 January 2023). "Fury as anti-vax conspiracy newspaper delivered to Norwich homes". Norwich Evening News. Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
- ^ Davies, Philippa (24 January 2023). "Conspiracy 'newspaper' being distributed around Sidmouth". Sidmouth Herald. Archived from the original on 8 February 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
- ^ a b Dacombe, Rod; Souter, Nicole & Westerlund, Lumi (2021). "Research note: Understanding offline Covid-19 conspiracy theories: A content analysis of The Light "truthpaper"". Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review. doi:10.37016/mr-2020-80. ISSN 2766-1652. S2CID 237613394. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
- ^ a b c d e Lawrence, David (30 June 2022). "Turning Off "The Light": the conspiracist newspaper promoting the far right". Hope Not Hate. Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
- ^ [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]
- ^ Felton, James (22 February 2021). "Company behind 'controversial newspaper' The Light dissolves". Stroud News and Journal. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 17 April 2022.
- ^ a b c d Spring, Marianna (11 June 2023). "The Light: Inside The UK's Conspiracy Theory Newspaper That Shares Violence And Hate". BBC News. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
- ^ Burgess, Sanya (12 November 2021). "From COVID to climate change: How green conspiracies about celebrities and lockdowns are spreading". Sky News. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ Waveney, Harry (8 August 2021). "Inside The Anti-Lockdown Movement: How America's Paranoid Conspiracy Culture Arrived In Wales". voice.wales. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 20 May 2022.
- ^ Rahman, Grace (20 July 2021). "Free paper repeats falsehoods on deaths following vaccination". Full Fact. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ Perrin, Isabella. "Council slams newspaper for spreading anti-Covid messages around Bracknell". Bracknell News. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ Bracken, Ali (1 August 2021). "Anti-vaccine paper pushes 'conspiracy propaganda'". Independent. Archived from the original on 26 April 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
- ^ "Pfizer documents do not reveal dangers of Covid-19 vaccine". Fact Check. 16 May 2022. Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
- ^ Kulkarni, Ankita (26 September 2022). "False: Former Ukrainian Human Rights Chief Lyudmila Denisova admitted to lying about the Russian military committing rape crimes in Ukraine". Logically. Archived from the original on 1 January 2023. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- ^ LaCapria, Kim (23 November 2022). "'Died Suddenly' and the 'Irish Light' -". TruthOrFiction.com. Archived from the original on 23 January 2023. Retrieved 23 January 2023.
- ^ Wong, Adrian (20 December 2022). "Did Leaked Data Show Pfizer Vaccine Would Kill?!". Tech ARP. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
- ^ "Is this anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist the next Alex Jones?". BBC News. 3 May 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2023.
- ^ Spring, Marianna (11 June 2023). "The Light: Inside the UK's conspiracy theory newspaper that shares violence and hate". BBC.com. BBC News. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
- ^ {{Cite web |date=2022-05-17 |title=Why are people in Stroud handing out a paper that defends Holocaust denial and antisemitism? |url=https://communitysolidaritystrouddistrict.org/2022/05/17/hart-antisemitism/ |access-date=2022-11-07 |website=Community Solidarity Stroud District |language=en |archive-date=7 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107200801/https://communitysolidaritystrouddistrict.org/2022/05/17/hart-antisemitism/ |url-status=live
- ^ "The Light". Amplify Stroud. Archived from the original on 7 November 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2022.
- ^ Gregory, Mike (4 April 2023). "Mike Gregory has seen 'The Light'". North West Bylines. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 17 April 2023.
- ^ "Anti-lockdown newspapers delivered around Bracknell about how Covid-19 is 'a hoax'". Bracknell News. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
- ^ Buckley, Christine (3 July 2021). "Conspiracy theory newspaper found circulating in Cambs". CambridgeshireLive. Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
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