UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Business Secretary Peter Kyle criticized Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as “today’s incarnation of Enoch Powell’s politics” at the Co-operative Party conference.
As reported by The Independent, Peter Kyle has described Nigel Farage as
“today’s incarnation of Enoch Powell’s politics.”
How did Peter Kyle criticize Nigel Farage?
At the Co-operative Party conference, the senior Cabinet minister criticized Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in a pointed address.
Before his comment, Peter Kyle stressed that raising economic growth is essential to “build an economy and a politics that people can trust to deliver for themselves, their families and their communities.”
He then told the conference,
“The truth is that without securing higher, sustained economic growth, reconnecting people and politics, generating trust in the potential of democracy and importance of good government becomes almost impossible.”
Mr Kyle said,
“And the appeal of the parties of the far right – with their dogma of disruption, division and despair – it becomes, too, alluring.”
He stated,
“We see it today with Reform, just as we did in previous times with the National Front and the British National Party.”
The business secretary added,
“Lack of economic growth it is the cause. Nigel Farage, today’s incarnation of the politics of Enoch Powell, is the effect.”
He has frequently clashed with the Reform UK leader over their political differences.
Mr Farage expressed his opposition to the Online Safety Act proposed by the government.
In response, then-Technology Secretary Peter Kyle warned that figures like Jimmy Savile would misuse the internet to harm children and claimed those opposing the Act, including Mr Farage, were “on their side.”
What did Steve Reed say about Reform UK?
The Co-operative Party, connected to Labour through a long-term electoral pact, also featured an address from Communities Secretary Steve Reed.
He also commented on the parties and politicians
“who feed off the decline and division”,
referring to Reform UK.
Mr Reed added,
“But whatever our differences in our backgrounds, wherever we come from, people have a shared interest in making their own community as successful as it can be, so that is where we must build the bridges that bring people together.”
Which other figures spoke at the recent Co-operative Party conference?
Other figures who spoke at recent Co-operative Party conferences include notable Labour and Co-operative MPs and political figures such as Jim McMahon, Preet Gill, Jonathan Reynolds, Lucy Powell, Wes Streeting, James Murray, Alex Norris, and Daniel Zeichner.
Also present were Baroness Chapman and Ed Miliband MP, among others, reflecting the close electoral and policy ties between the Co-operative Party and the Labour Party.
Who was Enoch Powell, and why is he controversial?
Enoch Powell was a scholar and Conservative MP known for his senior roles, including Minister of Health (1960–63) and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence (1965–68). He also served as an Ulster Unionist MP in Northern Ireland from 1974 to 1987.
Mr Powell is most famously remembered for his 1968 “Rivers of Blood” speech, delivered as a Conservative shadow minister, where he warned against immigration from Commonwealth countries.
The “Rivers of Blood” speech inflamed racial tensions and remains a defining moment in British political history.
What did the latest survey show about Reform UK, Labour, and Conservative seats?
YouGov’s latest MRP projects that Reform UK would win 311 seats, Labour 144, and the Conservatives 45 if a general election were held tomorrow.
The survey reveals the Liberal Democrats will secure 78 seats, SNP 37, Greens 7, Plaid Cymru 6, and others 3.
