UPDATE: Facebook have now republished the Britain First page.

Facebook has shut down the Britain First page under rules banning hate speech.

The page had more than 1.1 million followers - officially the largest political page in the UK on the platform. 

Britain First have been accused of spreading 'hatred' and have grown their social media following by using the social media strategy of posting images that users found extremely shareable - including those of veterans. 

Earlier this month, Britain First were criticised for continuing to use pictues of Lee Rigby, against his family's wishes.

The family released the following statement regarding the use of the image: "We would like to emphasise that Lee would not want people to use his name as an excuse to carry out attacks against others."

A press release on Britain First's website broke the news of the page being closed.

"This means that our 1.1 million supporters have been denied freedom of speech and expression."

Facebook's official guidelines clearly state:

“While people can use Facebook to challenge ideas, instittuions and practices, Facebook removes hate speech.

“Hate speech includes content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, sex, gender or gender identity, or serious disabilities or diseases.”