Business Secretary Peter Kyle has likened Nigel Farage to the politics of Enoch Powell in today’s context. Speaking at the Co-operative Party conference, the senior Cabinet minister criticized the Reform UK leader for promoting disruption and division rather than focusing on economic growth to rebuild trust in politics and democracy.
Emphasizing the importance of sustained economic growth in fostering trust between people and the government, Mr. Kyle highlighted the allure of far-right parties like Reform UK in the absence of robust economic progress. He drew parallels between Nigel Farage and the historical figures of the National Front and the British National Party, attributing their rise to a lack of economic advancement.
Referencing Enoch Powell’s controversial “rivers of blood” speech from 1968, Mr. Kyle underscored the negative impact of divisive rhetoric on racial tensions. This criticism of Farage is not new, as Mr. Kyle previously clashed with the Reform leader over the Online Safety Act, where he accused opponents of siding with individuals like Jimmy Savile who could exploit children online.
The Co-operative Party, affiliated with Labour, also heard from Communities Secretary Steve Reed, who condemned parties like Reform UK for thriving on societal decline and division. He called for building bridges across diverse backgrounds to unite communities in pursuing shared success.