What's happened
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is accused of racist and antisemitic remarks from his school days at Dulwich College. He denies intent or direct abuse, claiming memories are vague and the accusations are politically motivated. The controversy follows reports from The Guardian and testimonies from former classmates. Today's date is Tue, 02 Dec 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The allegations against Nigel Farage highlight the persistent challenge of scrutinizing political figures' past behaviors, especially when they date back decades. The claims, if substantiated, could undermine his credibility and influence, especially given his current prominence in UK politics. The responses from Farage and his party suggest a strategic denial, emphasizing the lack of primary evidence and framing the accusations as politically motivated. This controversy underscores how historical allegations can be weaponized in political battles, particularly in a polarized environment. The story also raises questions about the long-term impact of youthful misconduct on political careers and the importance of transparency. As the story develops, it will likely influence public perceptions of Farage and his party, with potential repercussions for upcoming elections.
What the papers say
The Guardian's detailed investigation provides multiple testimonies from former classmates, including accusations of racist language and Nazi salutes, which Farage denies, claiming no intent or direct abuse. Sky News reports Farage's dismissive stance, emphasizing his denial and the political context. The Independent highlights Farage's consistent denial and questions why these allegations are surfacing now, nearly 50 years after the events. The Times of Israel notes the broader political implications, with UK political figures like Keir Starmer calling for explanations, framing the controversy as part of ongoing debates over racism and political integrity in the UK. The contrasting perspectives reflect the tension between historical accountability and political strategy, with some sources emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and others questioning their relevance and timing.
How we got here
The allegations stem from a Guardian investigation revealing former classmates' claims that Farage made racist and antisemitic remarks during his time at Dulwich College, including singing Nazi songs and making racist comments. Farage has consistently denied direct or intentional abuse, attributing past comments to youthful banter and misremembered events. The controversy has resurfaced amid broader scrutiny of his political career and public statements.
Go deeper
More on these topics
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Nigel Paul Farage is a British politician. He has been leader of the Brexit Party since 2019, and served as Member of the European Parliament for South East England from 1999 until the United Kingdom's exit from the EU in 2020.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Dulwich College is a 2–18 private, day and boarding school for boys in Dulwich, London, England. As a public school, it began as the College of God's Gift, founded in 1619 by Elizabethan actor Edward Alleyn, with the original purpose of educating 12 poo
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Reform UK is a populist political party in the United Kingdom. It was founded as The Brexit Party with a focus on Euroscepticism in November 2018, until being renamed on 6 January 2021.
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The Guardian is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as The Manchester Guardian, and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers The Observer and The Guardian Weekly, The Guardian is part of the Guardian Media Group, owned by the S