Farage Slammed for ‘Dangerous’ Cover-Up Claims and Hate

One Labour MP described Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as a 'fake patriot' who is seeking to 'exploit division and fan the flames of hate for his own political gain'

Farage Slammed for 'Dangerous' Claims Linking Assault Case to Southport Riots

Nigel Farage is facing fresh fury after claiming a Warwickshire sexual assault case is being covered up — sparking fears of a repeat of the Southport riots that rocked the UK last summer.

The Reform UK leader was branded “dangerous” on Monday after using a London press conference to suggest the police were hiding key facts about the case. Farage said the situation was “reminiscent of what happened after the Southport killings,” where three young girls were murdered at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class.

His comments have reignited outrage among campaigners and politicians, who blame Farage’s past rhetoric for fuelling online conspiracy theories that helped spark the riots in July 2024.

Back then, misinformation about the suspect’s background — which spread unchecked online — ignited violent scenes across the country. Farage was accused of pouring petrol on the fire after he posted a provocative video asking whether “the truth is being held from us”.

Among his harshest critics was Brendan Cox, husband of murdered MP Jo Cox, who said at the time: “Farage is like Tommy Robinson in a suit.”

This week, Cox returned to condemn the Reform UK leader once again, telling The Mirror:

“Farage got the riots badly wrong last year. By seeming to justify the rioters, he misjudged the mood of the nation who have absolutely no time for thuggery or conspiracy stories. It seems he hasn’t learnt his lesson.”

Farage doubled down on his views at Monday’s event, insisting that police should publish names, addresses, and immigration status of all suspects once charged.

“What caused unrest on our streets after Southport last year was us not being told the status of the attacker,” he said. “That led to crazy conspiracy theories spreading online.”

Pressed further, Farage added: “I absolutely think they should [publish the information].”

His remarks come as complaints flood in to Sky News, where Farage's recent appearances have drawn thousands of viewer complaints accusing him of stirring division and spreading dangerous narratives.

Farage has not responded to the latest backlash, but critics say he’s once again playing with fire — and ignoring the lessons of the past.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Mirror  2025-08-05