Nigel Farage’s denial of accusations of racist remarks from his school days has been strongly refuted by a group of his former classmates.
Approximately 25 former schoolmates and one former teacher have united to express their “dismay and anger” at the Reform UK leader’s response to the recent allegations.
Allegations against Mr. Farage include racist and antisemitic comments made during his time at Dulwich College, with claims of him endorsing Hitler and referencing Nazi gas chambers. Despite mounting pressure for an apology, Mr. Farage has persistently denied the accusations, attributing them to a smear campaign by Reform UK opponents.
In a joint statement, the 26 individuals highlighted that their revelations were not politically motivated, emphasizing their diverse professional backgrounds and political views. Contrary to claims, they clarified that their decision to come forward was not triggered by Reform UK’s rise in popularity but had roots in previous reports dating back to 2013.
The signatories criticized Mr. Farage’s refusal to take responsibility for his past actions, emphasizing the importance of honesty and accountability for individuals aspiring to high office. They emphasized that while youthful mistakes should not define one’s entire life, acknowledging and apologizing for past misdeeds is crucial.
Furthermore, the group dismissed Mr. Farage’s attempt to contextualize his behavior within the cultural norms of the time, asserting that his actions far exceeded acceptable conduct even by historical standards. They highlighted specific instances of hateful and discriminatory behavior that set Mr. Farage apart from the cultural climate of that era.
Labour chairwoman Anna Turley condemned Mr. Farage’s evasion of accountability, urging him to issue a sincere apology to the individuals who courageously came forward with their accounts. She criticized his reluctance to address these serious allegations, suggesting it raises concerns about his suitability for public office.
