The deputy leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, has firmly stated that far-right groups and individuals, including “groypers,” will not be tolerated within the party. In an exclusive interview with the Jewish Chronicle, Tice emphasized the party’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy, noting that it has already expelled members who do not align with its values. This statement comes in the wake of ongoing controversies surrounding party leader Nigel Farage and his alleged past antisemitic remarks.
During a visit to northwest London, Tice defended Farage, who has faced accusations of making antisemitic comments during his school years at Dulwich College. He acknowledged that the situation had not been handled perfectly but maintained his leader’s integrity, stating, “Nigel stood up at the press conference and read out one of numerous emails from friends confirming that [the allegations] were not their recollection at all.”
Tice’s interview touched on broader concerns regarding the rise of antisemitism, particularly in relation to the far-right. He highlighted warnings from figures like Lord Finkelstein about this growing menace, drawing parallels to the situation in the United States, where far-right supporters, inspired by influencers like Nick Fuentes, have gained notoriety. Tice reiterated that members of his party who do not share its core values of family, community, and country will be expelled.
The deputy leader expressed particular concern about the treatment of Laila Cunningham, the party’s candidate for the 2028 London Mayoral election, who has faced abuse based on her Muslim faith. He described the comments against her as “appalling” and “absolutely bonkers.”
Despite these controversies, Tice maintained that the party’s stance against extremism has positively impacted its popularity. “The evidence already shows we’ve thrown people out… since we’ve done that, our polling has gone up, our membership has gone up, and the number of by-election wins has gone up,” he stated.
On the issue of national security, Tice called for the proscription of both Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Muslim Brotherhood, criticizing both the Labour Party and the Conservatives for failing to act on this matter. He described the current approach of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as “riddled with cowardice,” advocating for a “major clear-out” to refocus on the national interest.
Tice’s remarks came after meeting with the Community Security Trust (CST), where he expressed interest in understanding the challenges facing the Jewish community. The CST underscored the ongoing concerns regarding antisemitism and the need for resolution, particularly in light of Farage’s controversial past.
The deputy leader attributed the rise in antisemitism to “weak leadership” and emphasized the need for decisive action. He recalled his response to pro-Palestine marches shortly after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, advocating for a ban on demonstrations that incite hatred and violence. Tice stated, “If you allow a vacuum to develop, then bad people fill it.”
Reform UK stands alone among major political parties in its commitment to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization, a position supported by several Middle Eastern nations. Tice expressed confusion over why the UK government has not taken a stronger stance, noting that the United Arab Emirates has adopted more robust measures against radicalization.
As the party prepares for upcoming elections, Tice expressed optimism about their chances, particularly in areas with significant Jewish populations. He stated that Reform UK would continue to “stand up for the Jewish community, loudly and squarely,” reinforcing their commitment to addressing the concerns of constituents feeling anxious about the future.
In a concluding note, Tice mentioned his current reading of “ISResilience: What Israelis Can Teach The World” by Michael Dickson and Dr. Naomi L Baum, noting the importance of hope and optimism in addressing the challenges faced by the nation. He criticized the Labour government’s economic management, stating that the country is “heading towards bankruptcy.”
This assertive approach from Tice and Reform UK aims to solidify their position as a party committed to combating extremism while appealing to a broad spectrum of voters in a changing political landscape.
