Nigel Farage has addressed allegations of racist conduct during his time as a teenager at Dulwich College, stating he never engaged in racism "with intent." These accusations, detailed in a newspaper report, stem from claims by over a dozen former schoolmates describing offensive behavior from Mr. Farage in his youth.
When questioned, Mr. Farage emphasized the 49 years that have passed and denied ever targeting an individual based on their origin or acting in a hurtful or insulting way.
He acknowledged that as a teenager, he cannot recall every detail of his school years but maintained he was not part of any extremist organization or involved in genuine, unpleasant personal abuse on racial grounds. He clarified that while he may have made remarks that could be interpreted as playground banter in a modern context, he has never directly tried to hurt anyone or racially abused anyone with intent.
Following his remarks, political figures from opposing parties criticized Mr. Farage.
Lord Mike Katz of the Labour party suggested that Mr. Farage's position trivializes racist and antisemitic insults and that he is unfit for office.
Labour also pointed to Mr. Farage sharing a platform with a Reform UK Senedd member currently suspended for uttering a racial slur.
Josh Babarinde, Liberal Democrat president-elect, called Mr. Farage's refusal to definitively deny the allegations unbecoming of someone seeking high office and stated the public deserves a direct answer.
