Summary
Overview
This episode examines allegations that Nigel Farage displayed racist and anti-Semitic behavior as a schoolboy at Dulwich College. The hosts discuss recent Guardian reporting, compare it to earlier investigations by Michael Crick, and explore what Farage's childhood conduct reveals about him today. They also analyze the stark difference between how Farage responded to similar allegations in 2013 versus his current denials, and consider the political implications as Reform UK leads in some polls.
Keir Starmer Confronts Farage at PMQs
Prime Minister Keir Starmer used Prime Minister's Questions to call on Nigel Farage to explain allegations about racist behavior during his school days. More than a dozen former classmates claim Farage made repeated anti-Semitic remarks at Dulwich College, including statements like 'Hitler was right' and 'gas them' directed at Jewish pupils. Farage has denied all allegations, but Downing Street has called the claims disturbing and urged him to address them publicly.
- Starmer challenged Farage to explain stories about racist behavior at school
- The Guardian reported claims from over a dozen former classmates about anti-Semitic remarks
- Allegations include Farage saying 'Hitler was right' and 'gas them' to Jewish students
- Farage has strongly denied all allegations
" I wonder if we can ask his leader next door to him whether he's got time for his explanation for the stories in today's papers. "
The Original 2013 Investigation
Broadcaster Michael Crick first investigated these allegations over a decade ago for Channel 4, uncovering a five-page letter from teacher Chloe Deakin to the headmaster describing Farage as unsuitable to be a prefect due to 'neo-Nazi' and 'fascist' behavior. When confronted in 2013, Farage gave a notably equivocal response, admitting he said 'ridiculous things' and might have 'wound some of them up,' though he questioned whether his remarks were 'necessarily racist.' This contrasts sharply with his current categorical denials.
- Crick discovered a letter from teacher Chloe Deakin calling Farage unsuitable to be a prefect
- The letter described Farage as a 'neo-Nazi' and 'fascist' over five pages
- In 2013, Farage admitted saying 'ridiculous things' but questioned if they were 'necessarily racist'
- Farage claimed he was excluded from class 'dozens of times' and may have 'wound people up'
" I said some ridiculous things about the letter... Not necessarily racist things... Well, it depends how you define it. "
" I might have wound some of them up, too... So you made racist comments to wind people up? "
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