In a decisive statement, Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, affirmed that members of the far-right, including the so-called “groypers,” are not welcome in the party. Tice emphasized a strict zero-tolerance policy during an exclusive interview, detailing that the party has already expelled individuals who do not align with its values.
Tice’s comments follow allegations against party leader Nigel Farage, who has faced claims of making antisemitic remarks during his time at Dulwich College nearly 50 years ago. While Farage has denied these allegations, including accusations of mimicking gas chamber sounds and endorsing Hitler, Tice acknowledged that the handling of the situation has not been ideal.
Speaking at an event in northwest London hosted by local councillor Mark Shooter, Tice defended Farage but admitted, “the way we’ve dealt with this hasn’t been perfect.” He pointed out the party’s increasing popularity, stating, “Our polling has gone up, our membership has gone up, and the number of by-election wins has gone up” since they began enforcing the policy against far-right elements.
Calls for Proscription of Extremist Groups
In the interview, Tice outlined potential plans for Reform UK if they gain power, including significant changes to the Foreign Office. He called for the proscription of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Muslim Brotherhood, criticizing both the Labour and Conservative parties for failing to act on these issues. He remarked, “Both main parties have talked about it and never done it.”
Tice attributed the rise in antisemitism in the UK to “weak leadership” and highlighted his immediate response to pro-Palestine marches following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. He stated, “If you allow a vacuum to develop, then bad people fill it,” reinforcing his commitment to tackling hate speech and violence.
The deputy leader also addressed the backlash faced by Laila Cunningham, the party’s candidate for the 2028 London Mayoral election, who has been subjected to abuse for her Muslim faith. Tice described such comments as “appalling” and “absolutely bonkers.”
Engagement with the Jewish Community
Following the interview, Tice, along with other party members, visited the headquarters of the Community Security Trust (CST). The CST acknowledged Tice’s request to meet and discuss the ongoing threats facing the Jewish community, while also expressing concerns about the allegations against Farage. Tice reiterated that both he and Farage have a strong record of standing against antisemitism.
Reflecting on his public comments, Tice criticized the media’s treatment of Farage, particularly a question posed by BBC journalist Emma Barnett regarding Farage’s alleged relationship with Hitler. He described the inquiry as “ridiculous” and indicative of the sensationalist nature of some media coverage.
While Tice emphasized the need for effective communication, he conceded that navigating the public’s perception of these issues can be challenging. He stated, “Do you sometimes get every word perfect? Every answer perfect? Of course not. We’re all human.”
As Reform UK prepares for the upcoming May council elections, Tice expressed optimism about the party’s prospects in areas with significant Jewish populations. He spoke of the party’s commitment to standing up for the Jewish community, asserting that they aim to provide support amid growing concerns.
Tice concluded by addressing the broader implications of the party’s policies, stating that reforming institutions like the Foreign Office is essential to ensuring national interests are prioritized. He criticized the current government’s approach, stating, “Our Foreign Office is riddled with cowardice, and there needs to be a major clearout of this gutless approach to the difference between right and wrong.”
The commitment to a strong stance against extremism and support for the Jewish community marks a critical phase for Reform UK as they navigate the political landscape ahead of the elections.
