Reform UK Chairman Under Fire for Nazi Comparison
A significant internal row has broken out within Reform UK after Steve Trumm, the chairman of the party's Basingstoke branch, shared a social media post featuring a Nazi image to criticise the Labour government's proposed digital ID scheme. The controversial post, which has since been removed, depicted Nazis from a Doctor Who episode titled 'Let's Kill Hitler' alongside the caption 'papers please'.
Defiance and Condemnation
When confronted by the Basingstoke Gazette, Mr Trumm, a semi-retired train driver and former soldier, stood by his actions. He denied that the post glorified Nazism, stating his belief that it 'had a relevance to the actions of the government'. He defended his position by arguing that 'history forgotten is history repeated', expressing his view that a mandatory digital ID would create a 'very nasty' 'papers please' society akin to totalitarian regimes.
However, his justification was met with swift and severe criticism from his own party leader and Jewish groups. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage did not hesitate to label the post as 'very offensive' when contacted by a local newspaper. Meanwhile, Michael Newman OBE, chief executive of the Association of Jewish Refugees, said he was 'deeply disturbed' by the imagery.
Broader Backlash and Policy Context
The proposed digital ID cards, which the government aims to introduce by 2029, are intended to be required for anyone working in the UK as part of a crackdown on illegal employment. Labour argues the scheme will help curb illegal migration and streamline access to services.
Despite these aims, the policy faces substantial opposition, with almost three million people having signed a petition against it over fears of mass surveillance and security vulnerabilities. The controversy has garnered cross-party concern, with Green MP Sian Berry recently introducing a Commons motion calling for the plan to be scrapped, warning it would 'usher in a new era of mass surveillance'.
Luke Murphy, the MP for Basingstoke and Deane, joined the chorus of disapproval, stating that while debate is essential, politicians have a 'responsibility to debate respectfully'. A local Labour source went further, accusing the local Reform party of showing its 'true colours' and describing the post as 'abhorrent' for trivialising the suffering of Holocaust victims.
Mr Trumm, who in 2022 spent eight months in Ukraine working on an anti-drone project following the Russian invasion, remains unrepentant. He added that he believes digital ID, combined with digital currency, is turning the UK into a 'Chinese-style communist party'. Reform UK has been contacted for further comment on the incident.
