Nigel Farage has dismissed allegations of racist and antisemitic bullying during his time at Dulwich College as 'complete made-up fantasies', claiming his accusers are motivated by politics. The Reform UK leader was responding to a Guardian investigation in which more than 30 people, including Emmy- and Bafta-winning director Peter Ettedgui, recalled incidents of abuse.
Ettedgui said Farage repeatedly growled 'Hitler was right' or 'Gas them' at him when they were at school. Farage has previously denied directly targeting anyone with racist abuse, saying he had no 'intent' to hurt anyone. At a Reform UK press conference, he refused to apologise, stating: 'I don't apologise for things that are complete made-up fantasies.'
Farage has been asked to apologise in a letter signed by 26 former schoolmates. An ex-teacher also spoke out, saying: 'Of course he abused pupils.' Farage, who has faced questions about the claims since 2013, said others could focus on 'stuff that happened in the 1970s' but Reform was looking ahead to the May local elections.
During the press conference, Farage also addressed comments by Reform mayoral candidate Chris Parry, who suggested London-born David Lammy should 'go home' to the Caribbean. Farage called the remarks 'over the top' and said Parry should apologise. Meanwhile, London mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham said immigration in parts of London was 'too much' and that some areas 'don't feel like London anymore'.
Farage boycotted Prime Minister's Questions to appear on Times Radio, saying it was 'more worthwhile' than being abused by the PM. Labour MPs criticised his absence, with Chris Bryant commenting: 'Not really an MP at all.'
