Business Secretary Peter Kyle delivered a scathing attack on Nigel Farage at the Co-operative Party conference, calling the Reform UK leader "today's incarnation of the politics of Enoch Powell." Kyle explicitly linked Farage to the former Conservative shadow minister who delivered the controversial "rivers of blood" speech in 1968.
Kyle argued that sustained economic growth is essential to preventing the rise of far-right politics. «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,» he said. «And the appeal of the parties of the far right – with their dogma of disruption, division and despair – it becomes, too, alluring.»
The Business Secretary drew direct parallels between Reform UK and historical far-right movements. «We see it today with Reform, just as we did in previous times with the National Front and the British National Party,» Kyle stated. «Lack of economic growth it is the cause. Nigel Farage, today's incarnation of the politics of Enoch Powell, is the effect.»
Communities Secretary Steve Reed echoed the criticism at the same conference, targeting parties «who feed off the decline and division.» Reed emphasized the need to «build the bridges that bring people together» based on shared community interests.
The Co-operative Party maintains a longstanding electoral pact with Labour. Kyle and Farage have clashed publicly before, notably earlier this year over the Government's Online Safety Act. Reform UK was contacted for comment.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
