Nigel Farage is under scrutiny following allegations of racist and antisemitic behavior made by several former classmates during his time at Dulwich College in south London. The Reform UK leader is accused of expressing pro-Hitler sentiments, making jokes about gas chambers, and discriminating against individuals based on their skin color.
Director and producer Peter Ettedgui, who was 13 years old at the time, revealed to The Guardian that Farage would make disturbing comments such as “Hitler was right” and “Gas them,” mimicking the sound of gas chambers. Despite these claims, a spokesman for Reform UK has vehemently denied all allegations, dismissing them as an attempt to tarnish the party’s reputation.
One former classmate recounted instances of Farage using racial slurs and encouraging students to leave the country, while another mentioned songs about gassing Jews being taught by Farage during their time in a youth organization. Additionally, reports surfaced of Farage performing Nazi salutes and chants, as well as making inappropriate references to gas chambers on school trips.
The allegations have triggered calls for accountability from various figures, including Anna Turley MP and Lib Dem MP Josh Babarinde, who emphasized the need for politicians to denounce such behavior. Hope not Hate’s Georgina Laming expressed little surprise at the revelations, citing Farage’s history of intolerant views.
While some individuals have corroborated the allegations, others have no recollection of the reported behavior. A spokesperson for Reform UK dismissed the claims as baseless, highlighting the lack of concrete evidence and attributing the accusations to a smear campaign against the party.
The controversy surrounding Farage’s past actions has sparked a debate on political ethics and accountability, underscoring the importance of upholding values of decency, tolerance, and unity in British politics.