Skip to content

Farage challenged on use of Islamophobia word

The Reform honorary president says hate speech laws “just leave you in a perpetual muddle”.

Days after former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson was suspended for his comments about Islamists, Nigel Farage said he was “very, very fearful of extreme Islam”.

And he told Political Thinking's Nick Robinson the people who were “most fearful” of radical Islam were peace-loving and hard-working Muslims in Britain.

The Nigel Farage 2024 One

1 March 2024

Explore More

Darren Jones in BBC Political Thinking radio studio

My parents went without to feed me, says Treasury minister

Nigel Farage

Farage: Some candidates did 'enormous harm' to Reform

Liz Kendall MP

Liz Kendall: Being a mum helps me switch off

Robert Jenrick

Tory MP Jenrick says it 'could get worse' for his party

Composite picture of Starmer holding hands with wife and Sunak holding hands with wife

Watch party leaders casting their votes

Nigel Farage speaking in the studio

Farage on Reform's candidate controversies and immigration policy

Ed Davey and Nick Robinson

Ed Davey denies Lib Dems tend to oppose housebuilding

Nigel Farage

Farage claims canvasser's racist comments a 'set-up'

Adrian Ramsay

Greens tax plans 'fairly normal' by European standards - Ramsay

Nigel Farage

Nigel Farage: We provoked war in Ukraine

Ben Chu in studio

A quick take on Reform UK's election 'contract'

Nigel Farage

Reform aims to become real opposition to Labour - Farage

Keir Starmer

Starmer confirms he's prepared to make enemies to grow economy

Man appears to launch at object at Nigel Farage's campaign bus in Barnsley

Watch: Objects thrown at Nigel Farage on open-top bus

Richard Tice and Nigel Farage

Watch: Nigel Farage questioned on Reform UK candidate's Hitler claim

A woman throws contents of a drinks cup in Farage's face

Watch: Nigel Farage has drink thrown over him

Nigel Farage

Farage announced as Reform UK leader and MP candidate

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Victoria Atkins

The NHS was created by men for men, says health secretary

Protesters being arrested at Columbia University

NY police arrest dozens at US college Gaza protest

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

Rishi Sunak

Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.

Henry Zeffman

How MPs turned to BBC for clarity on election gossip

The BBC's Henry Zeffman describes how Westminster gossip caused mass confusion among staff.