Richard Tice faces criticism for downplaying racism allegations against Nigel Farage that date back to his school days. The Deputy Leader of Reform UK sparked controversy by seemingly dismissing claims made by Peter Ettedgui, a director whose family escaped the Nazis, during a recent BBC Radio 4 interview. Ettedgui alleged that Tice would make troubling remarks such as “Hitler was right” and “Gas them,” imitating the sound of gas chambers.
Farage has refuted these decades-old accusations, stating that he would never racially insult anyone. Reform UK has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as part of a smear campaign against their leader.
Lord Mann, the government’s antisemitism advisor, urged Tice to apologize, condemning his comments as disgraceful and potentially retraumatizing for victims of antisemitism. Ettedgui is just one of several former schoolmates from Farage’s time at Dulwich College who have come forward with similar allegations. Eleven Holocaust survivors have demanded transparency from Farage regarding the alleged pro-Hitler statements he made.
Joani Reid MP, chair of the all-party parliamentary group against antisemitism, criticized Tice’s defense of Farage, accusing him of undermining victims of racism and potentially deterring them from speaking out. She called for Tice to apologize or step down.
Reform UK has been requested to provide a statement regarding the situation.