Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has sparked a fierce row with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage after comparing him to the late child abuser Jimmy Savile in a debate over the Online Safety Act. Kyle made the remarks during a Sky News interview, accusing Farage of siding with 'extreme pornographers' and those who would harm children online.
The dispute began after Reform UK pledged to repeal the Online Safety Act, which came into force last week, arguing it would turn the UK into a 'borderline dystopian state'. Farage and efficiency chief Zia Yusuf claimed the legislation would be scrapped immediately under a Reform government, though they admitted they had no alternative plan to protect children from harmful content.
Kyle doubled down on his comments, stating that the act forces tech companies to use hash-matching technology to detect and remove child sexual abuse material, prevent grooming, and keep children's profiles hidden. He said: 'Nigel Farage is on the side of turning the clock back to the time when strange adults can get in touch via messaging apps with children.'
Farage called for an apology, describing Kyle's comparison as 'disgusting' and 'below the belt'. In a livestream, he accused the Labour government of sinking to new lows, while Yusuf claimed it was the most offensive political remark he could recall. The row highlights deepening divisions over online safety regulation ahead of the next general election.
