UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Number 10 backed Peter Kyle’s attack linking Reform UK’s Farage to online predators, sparking backlash over political use of Savile and smear tactics.
As reported by The Telegraph, Number 10 was aware of the Technology Secretary’s comments linking Nigel Farage to Jimmy Savile before they were made.
Government sources said Mr Kyle contacted Downing Street ahead of his Sky News interview, where he criticised Mr Farage.
What did Peter Kyle say about Farage and online safety?
Peter Kyle accused the Reform leader of siding with “extreme content” and abusers like Jimmy Savile, who targeted hundreds of vulnerable children.
He said,
“I see that Nigel Farage is already saying that he’s going to overturn these laws. So you know, we have people out there who are extreme pornographers, peddling hate, peddling violence. Nigel Farage is on their side.”
Mr Kyle stated,
“Make no mistake about it, if people like Jimmy Savile were alive today, he’d be perpetrating his crimes online. And Nigel Farage is saying that he’s on their side. Nigel Farage is on the side of turning the clock back to the time when strange adults, strangers, can get in touch via messaging apps with children.”
What did Heidi Alexander say about Nigel Farage?
Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, said,
“Nigel Farage is, in effect, saying that he is [on paedophiles’] side because he’s saying he wants to repeal the Online Safety Act.”
She stated,
“In effect, what Nigel Farage is saying is that he’s totally happy for there to be a free-for-all on the internet.”
Ms Alexander added,
“That’s not the position of the Labour Government. It’s not the position of me. It’s not the position of Keir Starmer or Peter Kyle, and that is the point that the Technology Secretary was rightly making yesterday.”
What did a Labour insider say about the Farage row?
A Labour insider said the party is ready to engage in the sensitive debate, adding, “Shielding children from graphic material online is common sense.”
The source added,
“It is quite amusing seeing Farage talking about ‘disgusting remarks’. He has a distinguished record of making punchy and disgusting remarks in his own right.”
Nigel Farage’s stance on Peter Kyle’s comments
Nigel Farage condemned the Labour Government’s actions, asking, “Just how low can they sink in their desperation?”
He said,
“Yes, of course they’re in trouble. They’re well behind us in the opinion polls. But frankly, to say that I would do anything that would in any way aid and abet people like Jimmy Savile, it’s so below the belt it’s almost not true.”
He renewed his call for an apology, admitting it probably won’t happen, stating,
“We’re not going to get one. I think perhaps the best thing we can do is to sign the petition to repeal the Online Safety Act. That’s what I’m going to do today. I think it makes sense. I’m deeply worried about the implications for free speech.”
How did Boris Johnson bring Savile back into the Westminster debate?
The Savile case resurfaced in Westminster after the former prime minister claimed in 2022 that Sir Keir failed to bring charges against him.
The former prime minister later clarified his remarks, saying his criticism was aimed at the CPS, not Keir Starmer. There is no evidence Sir Keir was informed of the CPS’s advice to police.
What did Richard Scorer say about Boris Johnson’s and Mr Kyle’s comments?
Richard Scorer, who has represented victims of Savile, described Johnson’s attack as a “troubling smear,” accusing him of politicising their suffering.
He slammed the comments, calling them “completely wrong” and motivated by “political purposes.”
Keir Starmer’s views on the online safety legislation
Sir Keir Starmer defended the legislation during a meeting and said, “We are not censoring anyone.”
He stated,
“We’ve got some measures which are there to protect children, in particular, from sites like suicide sites.”
Mr Starmer added,
“I personally feel very strongly that we should protect our young teenagers, and that’s what it usually is, from things like suicide sites. I don’t see that as a free speech issue, I see that as child protection.”