Nigel Farage has rejected allegations of racist and antisemitic bullying during his time at Dulwich College, describing the claims as 'complete made-up fantasies' from individuals with 'obvious political motivation'. The Reform UK leader was responding to a Guardian investigation featuring over 30 former pupils, including Emmy- and Bafta-winning director Peter Ettedgui, who recalled Farage repeatedly saying 'Hitler was right' or 'Gas them' at school.
Farage's response to the allegations, first raised in 2013, has evolved over time. In a November interview, he said he would never act in a 'hurtful or insulting way' and could not remember everything from 49 years ago. He denied racially abusing anyone 'with intent'. However, at a Reform UK press conference on Wednesday, he refused to apologise, calling the accusations 'absolute nonsense'. His comments were met with booing from Reform members directed at the journalist who asked the question.
A letter signed by 26 former schoolmates has called for an apology, and a former teacher stated 'of course he abused pupils'. Farage, however, insisted the party is focused on the May local elections, not 'stuff that happened in the 1970s'.
During the same press conference, Farage addressed comments by Reform mayoral candidate Chris Parry, who suggested David Lammy should 'go home' to the Caribbean. Farage called the remarks 'over the top' and said Parry should apologise, while noting his 'intensely patriotic' background.
Farage also boycotted Prime Minister's Questions to appear on Times Radio, arguing it was 'more worthwhile' than being 'abused by a prime minister'. Labour MPs criticised his absence, with Chris Bryant remarking he is 'not really an MP at all'.
