Alan Partridge star Steve Coogan has delivered a scathing critique of Reform UK, branding Nigel Farage's party as 'anti-human rights'. The Greater Manchester-born actor and comedian expressed alarm that world leaders believe they can 'do what the f*** (they) like' during international conflicts.
Speaking to Big Issue, Coogan said: 'I'm very troubled by the notion of what is acceptable behaviour in terms of conflict, by both what's been happening in Gaza and these military attacks by the US on the boats and killing defenceless people and somehow trying to reframe that. So I am worried about the erosion of human rights and viewing the idea of human rights as some sort of impediment and how Reform are anti-human rights because they think it's some red tape bureaucracy.'
Alongside his attack on the Nigel Farage-fronted organisation, Coogan discussed his upcoming film Saipan, hitting UK cinemas on January 23. The film chronicles the infamous bust-up between former Ireland skipper Roy Keane and ex-manager Mick McCarthy during the 2002 Fifa World Cup. Coogan portrays McCarthy in the film.
Coogan said of the film: 'Early on, (the film's narrative) was 60-40 in favour of Roy, and I wanted it to be more even-handed. Once that happened, I wanted to be on team Mick for the purposes of the film, and I do think there is merit on both sides. Both have validity. Mick was trying to make the experience of being in a World Cup meaningful for the players and the people of Ireland.'
Reform UK has been contacted for comment. The complete interview with Coogan can be found in this week's Big Issue, available from vendors now.
