Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sharply criticized Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, accusing him of being “spineless” for failing to act on racism within his party and for refusing to address allegations about his own past behavior. The comments follow reports claiming Farage made antisemitic and xenophobic remarks during his school years, including offensive chants and comments referencing the Holocaust.
Starmer said Farage has “serious questions to answer” about the accusations and pointed to what he described as a long-standing pattern of inaction on racist conduct. He cited Farage’s refusal to discipline Reform MP Sarah Pochin after she complained about the number of Black and Asian people appearing in advertisements—remarks widely condemned as racist.
Speaking ahead of the G20 summit, Starmer said that any member of his own party making such comments would face immediate action. He criticized Farage for staying silent on racism within his ranks, saying the Reform leader “has plenty to say about many things except showing leadership on racism.”
Former schoolmates of Farage allege he sang offensive songs and made pro-Hitler comments; Farage has denied the claims, dismissing them as false recollections from decades ago. Meanwhile, Pochin has apologized for her remarks, saying they were poorly phrased and not intended to cause harm.