Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has sparked fresh controversy by claiming that Enoch Powell was "right" about opposing "vast community change" in Britain, while simultaneously facing allegations of making racist and pro-Hitler comments during his school days.
Powell's Legacy and Farage's Defence
The political firestorm erupted when Farage addressed accusations about his schooldays at Dulwich College in south London, where former classmates alleged he made pro-Hitler remarks and joked about gas chambers. Mr Powell remains notorious for his 1968 "Rivers of Blood" speech, which proved so inflammatory that it led to his immediate dismissal from the shadow cabinet.
In his defence, Mr Farage stated: "If you look at what they said, none of them said I directly attacked or abused them. What they do say very clearly is they had different political views to me." He elaborated that his support for Powell's position on the Common Market and concerns about rapid demographic changes were legitimate political positions during the late 1970s.
School Allegations and Partial Apology
Former classmates came forward with disturbing accounts of Farage's behaviour during his time at Dulwich College. One particularly serious allegation involved Peter Ettedgui, who was just 13 years old when he claims Farage would tell him "Hitler was right" and make hissing sounds to mimic gas chambers.
In response to these specific claims, Farage offered a qualified apology: "One person says they were hurt, and if they feel they were hurt, I am genuinely sorry, but I'd never ever ever have said or done anything like that directly to a human being." However, he maintained that the accusations largely stemmed from political disagreements rather than genuine racism.
Political Fallout and Prime Minister's Response
The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from political opponents, including the Prime Minister, who demanded Farage apologise unequivocally. The PM condemned Farage's explanation as "not convincing" and specifically addressed the gas chamber allegations: "I have no doubt that if a young Jewish student was hissed at, to mimic the sound of a gas chamber, they would find it upsetting."
During the same press conference, Farage also defended his past comments about Vladimir Putin, noting that the Queen had met with the Russian leader after Farage's 2013 remarks describing Putin as a skilled political operator. He emphasised that his comments predated Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rejected characterisations that he supports the Russian president.
Despite the ongoing allegations, Farage maintains there's no suggestion he currently supports Powell's views, framing his historical positions as part of normal political discourse from a different era. The Reform UK leader continues to position himself as a figure challenging establishment politics, even as he confronts allegations from his past.
