Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is facing renewed pressure to explain his past promotion of conspiracy theories that critics say echo antisemitic narratives, following resurfaced interviews he gave to US media between 2009 and 2018.
The controversy comes just days after allegations emerged that Farage used racist language as a teenager — claims he denies — raising further scrutiny of his long public record.
Farage’s US Media Appearances Under Spotlight
Over nearly a decade, Farage appeared multiple times on far-right American programmes, including six interviews with Alex Jones, the conspiracy theorist who was later sued for falsely claiming the Sandy Hook school shooting was staged.
In a 2018 interview with Jones, Farage claimed so-called “globalists” were trying to provoke a war with Russia to push nations into surrendering their sovereignty to “a higher global level”.
Farage also took part in six interviews with Rick Wiles, a pastor known for openly antisemitic rhetoric. Discussions included unfounded theories that international bankers might soon “appoint leaders” of the UK and US — a claim Farage did not dispute during the broadcast.
Jewish Groups Previously Called for Clarification
When these interviews first resurfaced in 2019, UK Jewish groups, including the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Community Security Trust, urged Farage to publicly disavow the conspiracy narratives. He did not respond at the time, while his former party, the Brexit Party, dismissed the criticisms as “manufactured”.
Cross-Party Figures Demand Accountability
Politicians across the spectrum say Farage must now address his record, especially given his ambitions for senior political influence.
- Christine Jardine, Liberal Democrat MP and vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary group against antisemitism, said Farage “owes the public an explanation” and must acknowledge the harm caused by his previous comments.
- Anna Turley, Labour Party chair, said the growing list of concerning remarks exposes the “dark and divisive politics Reform would unleash”.
- Josh Babarinde, Liberal Democrat MP, called Farage’s past statements “profoundly disturbing”, arguing they reflect a long pattern of fuelling division.
- Zack Polanski, Green Party leader for England and Wales, said Farage has consistently “echoed conspiracy theories through the language of the far right and antisemites”, adding that accountability from him is “unlikely”.
Reform UK declined to comment, directing journalists to Farage’s personal representative, who has yet to issue a statement.
