Labour leader Keir Starmer has criticized Nigel Farage for his handling of racism allegations, calling him “spineless.” Starmer urged the Reform UK leader to address the claims of racist comments he allegedly made as a schoolboy without delay.
Allegations surfaced from a former schoolmate claiming Farage expressed support for Hitler and mentioned Nazi gas chambers while attending Dulwich College. Reform UK has dismissed the accusations as part of a smear campaign against their leader.
When questioned about the matter on his way to the G20 summit in South Africa, Starmer emphasized that Farage must address the allegations. Starmer pointed out Farage’s failure to address previous racist remarks made by Reform MP Sarah Pochin, stating that he lacks leadership on such issues.
In a separate incident, Pochin faced criticism in October for her comments on TV adverts featuring Black and Asian individuals. While Farage condemned her remarks as “ugly,” he defended Pochin, claiming she did not intend to be racist.
Starmer reiterated the need for Farage to explain the alleged school comments and criticized his inaction regarding racism within his party. Starmer emphasized that if similar comments had been made within his party, he would have taken immediate action.
Starmer concluded by urging Farage to address the latest allegations promptly and to demonstrate leadership in addressing racism within his party. Farage’s lack of response to previous racist comments within Reform UK was highlighted as a sign of his failure to show leadership on the issue.