Cabinet Minister's Stark Warning at Co-operative Party Conference
Business Secretary Peter Kyle has launched a scathing attack on Nigel Farage, directly comparing the Reform UK leader to the controversial historical figure Enoch Powell. The senior Cabinet minister delivered his stark assessment while addressing the Co-operative Party conference on Saturday 15 November 2025.
Mr Kyle insisted that the government's economic growth goals were vital to "build an economy and a politics that people can trust to deliver for themselves, their families and their communities". He warned that without securing higher, sustained economic growth, reconnecting people with politics and generating trust in democracy becomes nearly impossible.
The 'Dogma of Disruption' and Historical Parallels
The minister didn't hold back in his criticism of far-right parties, describing their approach as a "dogma of disruption, division and despair" that becomes increasingly alluring during economic uncertainty. He explicitly linked today's political landscape with historical precedents, stating: "We see it today with Reform, just as we did in previous times with the National Front and the British National Party."
Mr Kyle presented a clear cause-and-effect analysis, arguing that "Lack of economic growth is the cause. Nigel Farage, today's incarnation of the politics of Enoch Powell, is the effect." This comparison references Powell's infamous 1968 "rivers of blood" speech, delivered when he was a Conservative shadow minister, which was widely blamed for inflaming racial tensions at the time.
Ongoing Political Sparring and Wider Criticism
This isn't the first time Mr Kyle has clashed with the Reform leader. Earlier this year, when Mr Farage opposed the Government's Online Safety Act, the then-technology secretary claimed that people like Jimmy Savile would use the internet to exploit children if he were still alive. Mr Kyle insisted that anyone against the Act, including Mr Farage, was "on their side".
The Co-operative Party conference, which is affiliated with Labour through a longstanding electoral pact, also heard from Communities Secretary Steve Reed. He echoed concerns about parties and politicians "who feed off the decline and division", specifically pointing to Reform UK. Mr Reed emphasised the importance of building bridges to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds.
When contacted for comment about Mr Kyle's remarks, Reform UK did not immediately respond. The comparison to Enoch Powell represents one of the strongest criticisms yet from a senior government figure against the far-right party and its leader.
