The Walk In: Stephen Graham to star in ITV drama chronicling foiled terror plot to kill Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper

What is the The Walk In about?

The Walk In chronicles the murderous plan and how it was foiled by antifascism campaign group Hope not hate (Hnh).

The show was announced on Tuesday – the same day the terror target, Rosie Cooper, said she was standing down as MP for West Lancashire.

Ms Cooper alluded to the impact of the incident in her statement in which she said: “The events I have faced over the last few years are well documented and undoubtedly have taken their toll.”

The ITV drama centres on informant Robbie Mullen, his handler at Hnh, Matthew Collins – played by Graham – and how the organisation infiltrated banned far-right terror group National Action (NA) and prevented the attack in 2017.

Mr Mullen, a former member of NA, spent a prolonged time undercover as a mole for Hnh.

His information about the plot and the activities of NA was passed on to the police and resulted in a high-profile trial at the Old Bailey.

Who is Jack Renshaw?

Jack Renshaw, now aged 27, from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, is currently serving a life sentence for preparing acts of terrorism.

Renshaw was jailed at the Old Bailey for life with a minimum term of 20 years in 2019 after plotting to murder Labour MP Rosie Cooper and threatening to kill a police officer.

The plot to kill Ms Cooper came just a year after the terrorist murder of fellow Labour MP Jo Cox.

Since NA was proscribed as a terrorist group for glorifying Ms Cox’s killing, 19 extremists have been successfully prosecuted for being members.

Nick Lowles, Hnh chief executive, said: “At Hope not hate our aim is to continually challenge extremist and far right-wing activity within the UK.

“Our role in foiling an active plot to kill a serving politician is something that we are extremely proud of as an organisation.

“The fact that this story is going to be highlighted and told to the public through ITV’s upcoming series will further bolster Hope not hate’s work to scupper these groups, increasing awareness, and will continue to aid us to support at-risk communities and at-risk individuals.”

Mr Collins, who is head of intelligence, said: “Our work at Hope not hate is tireless, risky and often stays out of the public eye for very good reason.

“It’s a huge undertaking to run sources in the far-right, which in this case led to preventing a murder. We continue to gather information and intelligence to counter active threats and planned activities by the far right.

“Here at Hope not hate we really hope that The Walk In will give the public an insight into how real these threats are.”

When does The Walk-In on ITV start?

The Walk In will be released on ITV and ITV Hub from October 3 with an in-depth documentary to follow the five-part series – and will be available as a boxset on the ITV hub after the first episode airs.