Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has backtracked on his claim that parliamentary officials advised him not to hold in-person constituency surgeries due to security concerns. Last month, Farage told LBC that the office of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle, along with the parliamentary security team, had warned him about threats to his personal safety.
At the time, Farage stated, “We’re not in a fit state to do the old-style surgeries, but if you’ve got something to say to me as a Clacton resident, Zoom is not the end of the world.”
However, both the Speaker’s office and the security team have since confirmed that no such advice was given. When questioned at a press conference about the discrepancy, Farage responded, “The Speaker’s office is always right,” effectively admitting his earlier claims were false.
This reversal comes just months after Farage admitted to spreading misinformation about the Southport killings. In July, Farage posted a video speculating on the background of the alleged killer involved in the knife attack on three young girls, falsely suggesting that the individual was known to security services. These claims, which originated from online sources including Andrew Tate, were later debunked.
The false rumours led to violence at a vigil for the victims and sparked days of riots across England and Northern Ireland. Despite this, Farage defended his actions, claiming he was only trying to uncover the truth.
In August, Farage told LBC, “There were stories online from very prominent figures, like Andrew Tate, suggesting the man had crossed the English Channel in a boat and that he was an active Muslim. Much of this fueled the riots we saw.”
The name of the alleged killer was initially withheld due to his age but was later revealed as Axel Rudakubana after reporting restrictions were lifted.
You may also like: Report reveals BP’s £15bn oil profits from post-invasion Iraq operations
