Nigel Farage Criticized for Response to Southport Stabbings; Reform MP Accused of ‘Inciting a Riot’

Nigel Farage has faced severe criticism for his response to the Southport stabbings, with accusations that his comments have incited unrest. The attack, which occurred during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, resulted in the deaths of three young girls and left eight other children and two adults injured, with some in critical condition.

Following the attack, riots erupted in Southport, leading to 27 police officers being hospitalized. Authorities believe that members of the far-right English Defence League were involved in the violence.

Before the riots, Farage posted a video on social media questioning why the incident was not being investigated as a terror attack and speculating about the security services’ knowledge of the 17-year-old suspect, who has not been publicly identified. Merseyside Police had stated that the incident was not being treated as terror-related.

Brendan Cox, the husband of murdered MP Jo Cox, condemned Farage’s response, accusing him of spreading conspiracy theories that incited further violence. Cox, whose wife was killed by a far-right terrorist in 2016, criticized Farage’s actions as harmful and provocative.

Labour MP Jess Phillips also condemned Farage, accusing him of “grifting” and failing to address the incident in Parliament. Phillips criticized Farage for not attending a parliamentary statement on the Southport attack, suggesting he used the situation for personal gain instead.

Former SNP leader Humza Yousaf linked the riots to Farage’s inflammatory rhetoric, suggesting that the media coverage of Farage’s comments contributed to the violence. Former MP Tobias Ellwood also accused Farage of deliberately inflaming tensions, emphasizing the dangerous consequences of such rhetoric.

In response, Farage defended his actions, arguing that it was reasonable to question the handling of the incident and the state of law and order in the country. He rejected claims that he incited the riots, asserting that he was merely expressing concern and seeking answers about recent violent incidents. Farage dismissed the accusations as “desperate” and beneath contempt.