Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is at odds with the National Education Union (NEU). They have only recently started referring to his party as a “racist and far-right” organization. The NEU’s conference in Harrogate last week passed a motion that contained this accusation. This decision represents a dramatic step up in the conflict between the two sides. The NEU’s general secretary, Daniel Kebede, underscored the controversy by asserting that “an awful lot of racists who are getting involved in Reform,” further igniting the debate surrounding the party’s positions on immigration and education.
Farage has proven himself a formidable anti-illegal immigration footsoldier. He’s been keen to tout his “one in, one out” approach worse non-legal migrants, their contribution to reducing housing pressure and NHS commitment. He replied to the NEU’s criticisms by framing Kebede as a “self-declared Marxist” who encourages schools to indoctrinate students.
The confrontation escalated when Farage declared, “I’ll make one thing very, very clear: if we win the 2029 general election, we will go to war with the National Education Union and all left-wing teachers’ unions.” His remarks signal a devotion to fight against what he claims is ideological bias in our nation’s education system.
Kebede let loose with sharps barbs, calling Farage a “pound-shop Donald Trump.” He blasted him for playing community against community through this kind of dog-whistle politics to reach his base. His comments underscore the deepening fear among teachers on the ground of how far-right rhetoric is infiltrating our institutions of learning.
Reform UK is also being investigated for mis-handling claims of racism during the last general election campaign. To this end, they are increasing the intensity of candidate vetting in advance of next year’s local elections in England. Reform MP Lee Anderson responded to the NEU’s motion with accusations that the union had “shown its true colours.” He charged it with focusing on left-grade political indoctrination rather than the education of students.
“Rather than focusing on educating Britain’s youth, it seems more interested in political indoctrination, silencing free speech, and spreading divisive rhetoric.” – Lee Anderson
Farage receives outrage, but no, he just rejects racism! He is fiercely critical of or seeks to distance from those on the far-right, including Tommy Robinson. He justifies Reform UK’s policies as both what we need to curb dangerous cross-Channel immigration and overall not listening to the public’s concerns.
