A new four‑day vegan festival in London, billed as being “built on principles of love and kindness for all sentient beings” has been cancelled after complaints from UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI).

The Scout Association cancelled the Great Vegan Festival’s venue booking just weeks before the event was to take place at their Gilwell Park Activity Centre in Chingford.

The association pulled the plug after UKLFI wrote to management warning them that several acts on the line‑up were “antisemitic”.

A statement from the Great Vegan Gathering read:

After pressure from UK Lawyers for Israel, Gilwell Park decided to cancel our venue hire contract just weeks before the event. As vegans, we oppose oppression in any context and therefore stand resolutely against Israel’s genocide of Palestinian humans and animals in Gaza.

It is deeply regrettable that an event seeking to raise funds for rescued animals at sanctuaries was attacked by UKLFI, an anti-Palestinian group that has repeatedly targeted cultural events and organisations.

The Scout Association has cancelled a venue booking by a vegan music festival after @UKLFI warned that bands on its line-up had promoted material alleged to be antisemitic and supportive of violence against Israelis. Read more: https://t.co/66wGB1NVa6

— UK Lawyers For Israel (@UKLFI) July 30, 2026

UKLFI accuses musicians of ‘endorsing violence’

UKLFI claimed the musicians had published or performed material that “endorsed violence, vilified Israel and Israelis, and risked stirring up racial hatred”.

The bands HAWXX, Active Slaughter, and Millie Manders and the Shutup were specifically mentioned by UKLFI. They had previously spoken up against ‘Israel’s’ genocide, colonialism and fascism, and the criminal IOF.

UKLFI highlighted several of their songs, to justify its actions.

One of these was Active Slaughter’s song, It’s Not Anti-Semitic to Hate Fascists, which UKLFI claimed “accuses Israeli forces of killing ‘for fun’ and planting knives beside injured Palestinian teenagers”. But this is true, as this film about Palestinian human rights defenders in Hebron clearly shows.

Israeli forces have filmed knives being planted beside Palestinian youths on more than one occasion.

UKLFI also claimed that if the festival went ahead in its proposed form, it could expose the Scout Association, as the venue operator, to legal, safeguarding and reputational risks.

Andrew Thorp, deputy public relations lead for the Scout Association, told us:

A decision has been made to cancel the hire of our venue for The Great Vegan Gathering at Gilwell Park.

Following the initial confirmation of the booking, we conducted a review into some actions taken by the event organisers. The review concluded that these actions were not consistent with Scout values or our venue hire policies.

Advertisement

As a result, we have informed the organisers that the event will not proceed at Gilwell Park.

We remain committed to ensuring that all activity taking place at our venues reflects our values and supports an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment for everyone.”

The Canary asked Thorp for more details, but he did not respond further.

Repeat targeting of cultural organisations and events

Anyone cancelling the use of their venue based on this should be absolutely ashamed, and consulting their lawyers @scoutadventures

All solidarity with the Great Vegan Gathering.@MiddleEastEye pic.twitter.com/JT49cZky0O

— Stop genocide. End apartheid. Free Palestine (@JonWooders) July 30, 2026

JJ Maguire, a singer in Active Slaughter, told Middle East Eye:

My Jewish granddad escaped persecution in Nazi Germany, but many of his family members were murdered…It’s with him in mind that I founded a band which, in keeping with punk traditions, refuses far right politics wherever it rears its head.

***

Advertisement

I was absolutely appalled to learn that UK Lawyers for Israel had mounted an attack on our pro-Palestine free speech.

Millie Manders, from the band, Millie Manders and the Shutup, said:

My band and I are proud to support justice for all animals and humans. This includes opposing Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, a position shared by millions of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and atheists – people from every background.

Manders added:

We will never stop advocating for what’s right.

Attempted erasure of Palestine

UKLFI uses tactics of “legal intimidation” to silence pro-Palestine, or anti-‘Israel’ speech and activism. It sends letters, suggesting the possibility of legal action, while events are told they raise legal or equality concerns. The institution on the receiving end then risks legal action, costs and reputational damage.

By doing this the organisation erodes democratic rights as it aims to erase Palestine from public life. It has taken matters upon itself to police our speech and actions. Academic institutions, the internet, sports, public institutions, charities, councils, companies and individuals have all come under fire.

In 2026, its actions led to the cancellation of academic events and the banning of Palestine Solidarity symbols worn by various railway, airport and hospital staff. It has also influenced guidance on investment of council pension funds.

Worryingly, two encyclopedias were told by UKLFI that their referencing to Palestine was incorrect. In addition, academic institutions have changed the description and wording of courses to remove the word ‘Palestine’.

Of course, UKLFI is lying when it states its concerns are “rooted in historical accuracy and educational responsibility”.

The Scouts have been repeatedly targeted. In January, UKLFI wrote to a north London Scout group after an adult leader wore a keffiyeh, arguing the conduct may amount to harassment under the Equality Act.

In February, UKLFI wrote again after staff were seen wearing symbols of support for Palestine.

..@UklfiT has written to a North London Scout group after being informed that an adult leader at a Beavers meeting for children aged six to eight wore a keffiyeh, a garment with widely recognised political significance connected to the Palestinian cause. https://t.co/OBaLqtrVy1

— UK Lawyers For Israel (@UKLFI) January 17, 2026

Advertisement

UKLFI’s role in shutting down Palestine discourse

In August 2025, UKLFI complained to Hertfordshire Scouts about Camp Wilayah, an annual Islamic children’s summer camp on its land. UKLFI alleged breaches of the Public Order Act, the Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act and the Children Act. The Scouts cancelled the booking, even though the camp had taken place for more than 13 years with no complaints.

The European Legal Support Centre (ELSC) and Forensic Architecture labelled UKLFI a “major actor” in the repression of pro‑Palestinian activism in the UK.

It exploits the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which equates criticism of ‘Israel’ with antisemitism. It also exploits terror legislation to create a chilling effect on pro-Palestine discourse.

Various organisations are taking action against UKLFI’s threatening behaviour and weaponisation of the law.

The Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) and ELSC have filed a 114‑page complaint with the Solicitors Regulation Authority. They claim UKLFI is using legal threats as a form of strategic intimidation to shut down public debate on Palestine. As such, they are calling for UKLFI to be regulated as an unregistered law firm.

The Charity Commission is also investigating UKLFI’s charitable wing after a complaint by CAGE. CAGE accused it of “engaging in vexatious and malicious complaints” against pro-Palestinian activism, while “masquerading as a charity.”

Senior barristers linked to the group also face a separate complaint over their role as patrons.

$730m hasbara budget making no difference

Pressure from UKLFI is part of a much larger, state‑backed effort to manage the occupation’s global image. In 2026, the ‘Israeli’ government approved a public diplomacy budget of roughly $730m.

Foreign minister Gideon Saar argues that managing ‘Israel’s’ image should be treated like “investing in jets, bombs, and missile interceptors”.

More than $50m is going into digital ad buys, around $40m into flying in delegations, and tens of millions more into influencer networks, AI‑driven content tools and targeted campaigns aimed at US universities and young Americans, where support for ‘Israel’ has plummeted.

Despite this unprecedented propaganda budget, unfavourable views continue to rise. No amount of money or digital campaigns can buy back the truth. The official story, framing ‘Israel’ as a democracy under threat, which treats all criticism as antisemitism and refers Palestinian resistance as terrorism, is starting to fall apart.

Featured image via Vegan FTA

By Charlie Jaay

Source link

So-called ‘Israel’ continued to livestream the extermination of an entire people over the weekend, with a massive string of atrocities across Gaza.

On Saturday 1 August, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) targeted warehouses used for storing medicines at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. According to Drop Site News, the buildings contained “critical supplies and equipment for kidney dialysis”.

Referencing Zionist policies that severely restrict aid to Gaza, hospital director, Raed Hussein, said “supplies have never been fully provided” over the past three years of genocide. He said any that do get in arrive “in a limited and reduced manner”.

Now, Zionist terrorists have destroyed even that small quantity of medical equipment.

The blast left an enormous crater and destroyed large numbers of tents people had been using as makeshift shelter, alongside their belongings. Fatima Sharab was one of those left bereft.

She told Drop Site:

The mattresses, blankets we’d managed to gather after losing them 15 times, they’re gone again. What is left after this?

‘Israel’wants to spread disease throughout Gaza

In response to the attack, Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Palestinian Ministry of Health – Gaza, said:

When the occupation fights people by destroying medicines and preventing medicine from entering, it turns medicine and illness itself into a tool of war.

Spreading epidemics as a means of mass murder is stated as an ‘Israeli’ policy. Giora Eiland, a retired major-general and still a key figure in the apartheid entity’s security establishment, said:

The international community warns us of a humanitarian disaster in Gaza and of severe epidemics. We must not shy away from this, as difficult as that may be. After all, severe epidemics in the south of the Gaza Strip will bring victory closer and reduce casualties among IDF soldiers.

In response, Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, commented:

I agree with every word.

On the same day as the medical warehouse war crime, the IOF murdered “at least seven Palestinians”, the Palestinian Wafa news agency told media. In one atrocity:

An Israeli drone attack killed two people in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood…

The IOF killed another Palestinian in a Deir el-Balah drone strike and slaughtered another person “.in a strike on a tent near a school in al-Mawasi, north of Khan Younis”, Al Jazeera reported.

Terrorist forces killed three more people through the use of drones and air strikes later in the day.

Sunday 2 August was even more horrific as butchers serving the land theft project killed at least 19 people. Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Mosab Abu Toha, who documents much of the daily crimes the IOF carries out, said the killing started when:

Israel carried out a strike on an apartment in Gaza City at 1:13 a.m. local time. Two parents and their child were burnt to death. A few minutes before that, Israel bombed a house in Der el-Balah in Central Gaza, killing two people.

Footage shows child casualties of Zionist crimes

Abu Toha shared graphic footage of what appears to be the child victim of that attack. Drop Site News provided similarly harrowing evidence of other innocent children horribly wounded by yet another illegal strike “on a residential apartment in the al-Mawasi area, northwest of Khan Younis, early Sunday”.

Three Palestinians, including a child, were killed in the strike on the Hamza family’s apartment, according to Shehab News Agency.

Drop Site provided a list of the atrocities Zionists carried out during the 24-hour period, detailing at least 10 separate attacks during what Western media still absurdly calls a “ceasefire”. Since the supposed cessation of hostilities began in October 2025, apartheid land thieves have murdered “1,233 Palestinians, including 266 children“.

This is far more than the number of ‘Israeli’ civilians killed on 7 October. In response to that, Western mainstream media reacted with horror and proceeded to cheer on the Gaza holocaust. However, daily IOF atrocities contributing to that continuing extermination campaign are largely ignored.

It was therefore left to Mosab Abu Toha to call Western complicity to account in the wake of the latest wave of barbarism.

He wrote:

While you are enjoying time with your families this summer, traveling to water parks, hiking through the woods, picking blueberries, and photographing mushrooms and rocks, Gazan families continue to be slaughtered in their tents, burned alive, and torn apart by Israeli attacks.

Children continue to be targeted. Those who survive are often left as the sole survivors of their families or are permanently disabled.

None of this would be possible without the political, military, and financial support provided by the United States and many European governments.

Advertisement

Israel must be held accountable and punished for its heinous and live-streamed war crimes. This video you are seeing is from this early morning in Gaza. Do these kids not look like yours? Do you really appreciate kids and family?

Featured image via Mahmoud Issa/ Reuters

By Robert Freeman

Source link

Source link

Ann Widdecombe: 4 October 1947 – c. 8 July 2026 | Image by: Colin McPherson / Alamy

11 min read1 hr

Fearless, honest and articulate, Ann Widdecombe was a warm and generous friend. A conviction politician whose principles were underpinned by her faith and patriotism, she was always true to her herself. Words by Lord Alton, Baroness Hoey and Baroness Browning

Advertisement

Ann Widdecombe was a fearless and faithful friend, writes Lord Alton

In 1979 we nearly became election opponents when she and Frank Field chased the Conservative and Labour nominations in the by-election at Liverpool Edge Hill.

Nine years later, now MP for Maidstone, Ann joined the Standing Committee on my Private Members’ Bill to reduce the 28 weeks upper time limit for abortion. At meetings all over the UK we spoke at public meetings explaining why, despite other political differences, we were united by our belief in the right to life.

Ann had been deeply shocked by the Carlisle baby case – a baby aborted at 21 weeks gestation – and she later asked the Commons, “how can one accept, when a child has been breathing without the aid of artificial equipment, has a pulse rate and has survived for three hours, that that was not a live birth? Under what circumstances do we call a person an unperson?”

Advertisement

She never hesitated to ask difficult questions.

She loathed eugenics, human cloning and experiments on human embryos and feared assisted suicide would endanger people with disabilities.

With CS Lewis she also believed that if you are cruel to other species, it wouldn’t be long before you are cruel to human beings too. 

Her love of animals led her to accept the presidency of societies caring for donkeys and hedgehogs, and to her rescuing stray cats: Pugwash and Carruthers being two of the most notable.

One night, driving her to a meeting in the north of England, I was told to “stop the car”: She had seen a stranded hedgehog. It was rescued and taken to safety.

Advertisement

She passionately opposed fox hunting – unlike some of her local party who tabled a hostile motion at an AGM.

I secured a supportive statement for her from a retired general who wrote to her party members: “I fought the Mau Mau and she’s exactly the person I would have wanted standing alongside me.” She successfully saw off the motion.

As I got to know Ann, I rapidly realised that behind the sometimes-gruff exterior was a principled, extraordinarily articulate, intelligent woman – not easily deterred. Her formidable debating skills, developed as a student in the Oxford Union, were deployed to great effect for all her causes – political, social, and charitable.

She was also intensely kind – to family, friends, and strangers. 

Advertisement

In her mother’s final years, Ann brought Rita to live with her in London – telling me that, just as her mother had cared for her when she came into the world, she would care for her beloved mother as she left this world for the next. She did just that.

After one combative session on a Home Office bill, she told me, ‘you are still my favourite bleeding-heart liberal’. I took it as a compliment

As a godmother to one of my children she unfailingly always asked after him, travelling miles to be with him for his baptism and first communion.

Advertisement

I saw that kindness in terrible tragedy too.

We shared Sir David Amess as a good friend. 

Following David’s appalling murder, and totally in character, Ann remained close to Julia, David’s widow, showing practical and continuing care, celebrating David’s life when we attended the unveiling of his statue in Southend. 

Ann’s convictions were underpinned by the twin pillars of her faith and patriotism, insisting that we must use our lives to the full: “We get one go this side of eternity, one go. Life is not a dress rehearsal.”

Advertisement

Her faith manifested itself in her causes, through support for charities for the persecuted, the vulnerable, the poor – through the work of Right to Life, the Leprosy Mission, the St Vincent de Paul Society. It expressed itself in her devotion to Mother Teresa – whom she met at Westminster – and whom she later defended against Christopher Hitchens and in a 2016 BBC Songs of Praise programme exploring the characteristics of a saint.

In 2013, in recognition of Ann’s work, Pope Benedict named her a Dame of the Order of St Gregory the Great.

Ann’s patriotism had its roots in her upbringing – partly in Singapore, where the father she adored had worked as a civil servant in the Ministry of Defence. In June, in our last conversation together – in Kennington over a favourite tandoori masala – we shared our concerns about the UK’s lack of preparedness as we face the “deadly quartet” of dictatorships threatening our freedoms.

Whether you agreed with Ann, or not, her forthright views were always trenchantly, intelligently, and honestly expressed and never with malice. In a toxic climate of inflammatory hate speech, that respect for difference must be the key to learning to live together.

Even when Ann and I were on opposite sides of political arguments, we agreed to disagree and never fell out. After one combative session on a Home Office bill, she told me, “you are still my favourite bleeding-heart liberal”. I took it as a compliment.

Advertisement

In 1993 to mark her decision to become a Catholic she chose the hymns at the weekly mass in the Westminster chapel of St Mary Undercroft.

The last of those hymns was Faith of Our Fathers. Its final verse has a particularly poignant resonance:

…we will love

Both friend and foe in all our strife,

And preach thee, too, as love knows how

By kindly words and virtuous life.

Faith of our fathers! holy faith!

We will be true to thee till death!”

Ann was always true to herself.

Advertisement

May she now rest in peace.

Lord Alton of Liverpool is a crossbench peer

---

Above all, Ann Widdecombe was a public servant and politician of conviction and high moral principles, writes Baroness Hoey

“Well Kate, at least we are both still around!” Those were the last words spoken to me by Ann Widdecombe just a couple of weeks before her murder. We were at a reception in Westminster chatting about the ups and downs of getting older whilst also remarking on how well we both felt.

Waking up to news of her death, I remembered that night and the friendship and camaraderie we enjoyed. Also issues on which we found ourselves in profound disagreement, such as hunting, where we campaigned on opposing sides, yet without rancour. In fact the reverse; we shared for one another that respect and affection which comes from recognition of a kindred spirit even if, at times, political opponents.

When she was a Conservative member, Ann sometimes found herself out of step with many of her fellow members, and indeed with party policy, as did I in mine. In doing so, she became far more widely known and recognised – both liked and loathed – than many of her contemporaries in parliament. She dared to be a Daniel, she dared to stand alone.

Advertisement

Ann could cope equally well with congratulation or confrontation, returning heckles with humour

Above all, Ann was a public servant and politician of conviction and high moral principles and of deep religious conviction guiding her every thought and action. This faith enabled her – indeed demanded of her, with true Christian love of her neighbour – to overcome the divisions that arise in public and political life between those of sincere yet differing opinions and goals. Such generosity of spirit was a far cry from the shockingly spiteful comments made by self-regarding commentators when she died. 

Two years ago, as a Reform UK party spokesperson, Ann addressed a pro-union meeting at Dromore Orange Hall in County Down. Speaking against the post-Brexit

Northern Ireland Protocol, she declared to a rousing reception from the audience: “I’m Ann Widdecombe, I’m a Roman Catholic and I’m in an Orange hall.” The audience rose to their feet as one. Earlier we had toured the Titanic exhibition and talked about her dedication to Reform UK and her respect and indeed love for Nigel Farage. 

Advertisement

Ann could cope equally well with congratulation or confrontation, returning heckles with humour. She was steely yet kind, warmed by wit and a roustabout spirit. That is why so many of the public loved her and now mourn her, as will those of us privileged to have known her more closely. Our sense of loss is magnified by the terrible cruelty of her murder.

Sadly Ann is now no longer around but millions who admired her and shared her values will carry forward her battle for the nation she loved.

Baroness Hoey is a non-affiliated peer

---

Ann Widdecombe and I did not always agree – but I recall fondly that we laughed a lot, writes Baroness Browning

In June 1983 Ann Widdecombe made her second unsuccessful attempt to win a seat in a general election, this time in Plymouth Devonport fighting against David Owen of the SDP Alliance.

Keen to support a woman candidate, this was where I first met Ann. As soon as the election was over Ann returned to London where her doctor confirmed that she had been campaigning while suffering from pneumonia.

Advertisement

We became friends. Ann was ahead of me in the quest to become an MP. She had done battle in both Burnley and Plymouth Devonport, I was looking to fight my first seat.

There were no training courses or mentors for candidates in those days and we agreed to work together: Ann now determined to find a ‘safe’ seat and me wanting a first attempt.

We also found we had things in common. Ann was a speaker for Women for Defence. I was a speaker for Peace Through Nato. Both organisations debated with CND and others opposed to nuclear deterrence. We debated around the country and on one occasion in Ireland, at the Tipperary Peace Festival, Monsignor Bruce Kent challenged us to debate back home. We hired the Drum Theatre in Plymouth for a public debate, which we won.

There were no training courses or mentors for candidates in those days and we agreed to work together… I learned a lot from Ann

Advertisement

I learned a lot from Ann who encouraged me to produce press releases and press conferences in the days before the internet.

We did not always agree; Ann held strong views on most subjects but I recall fondly that we laughed a lot. Ann had a good sense of humour. After one debate in Exeter a lady I knew from the Conservative Party asked me if we would come and give a talk in Budleigh Salterton. She said she would consult her committee. I heard nothing but seeing her some weeks later she said, “Oh my dear, I did consult the committee but I am afraid they thought you and Ann are ‘too fast’ for Budleigh Salterton.” An expression I had always considered to have certain connotations. We roared with laughter.

As we approached the 1987 election we started applying for constituencies, sometimes being interviewed for the same seat.

Advertisement

All was well. Ann won her Maidstone seat in 1987 and took her seat in Parliament. I unsuccessfully fought Crewe and Nantwich, later joining Ann in Parliament in 1992 representing my home seat of Tiverton.

We served together in the John Major government as ministers and in William Hague’s shadow cabinet.

They were great times: it is how I will remember Ann.

Baroness Browning is a Conservative peer

Advertisement

Source link

Source link

Source link

First came the news that Netflix is working on a The Inbetweeners reunion movie.

And the happy updates keep coming – the streamer will also add 371 episodes of zombie thriller The Walking Dead, and a range of spin-offs, to its UK site in 2027.

That’s part of a new deal between Netflix and AMC Global Media that’ll last for five years (though it could be renewed). Netflix has been the home of The Walking Dead since 2011.

But this arrangement will see them add the original show and its related titles to their UK, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand catalogues, too (it’ll be released co-exclusively with AMC+).

Advertisement

They’ll come out at different dates according to location, based on where each region’s current streaming deals expire.

Alongside The Walking Dead, Netflix will also add the following offshoots:

• Fear the Walking Dead,
• The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,
• The Walking Dead: Dead City,
• The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,
• The Walking Dead: World Beyond, and
• Tales of The Walking Dead.

In all, this amounts to 371 bingeable episodes.

Lori Conkling, Vice President of Licensing at Netflix, said: “Audiences have discovered and loved The Walking Dead on Netflix for nearly 15 years and the show continues to attract new fans. We’re excited to partner with AMC Global Media to continue to expand that access to more audiences around the world and bring the entirety of The Walking Dead Universe to Netflix.”

And Kristin Dolan, CEO of AMC Global Media, added: “We are thrilled to expand our long-time partnership with Netflix around The Walking Dead.

“This deal creates a global destination for this universe – all shows, all episodes – making the franchise more accessible than ever to fans around the world… Netflix has been an important partner in making The Walking Dead one of the most successful franchises in the history of entertainment. This agreement is a fantastic result for our companies, for the fans and for this timeless IP.”

Advertisement

Here’s looking forward to a massive binge-watch…

Source link

Reform UK has suffered a significant dent to its polling over the past 12 months. Emerging polls suggest this problem could be getting worse too, especially the polls relating to Nigel Farage’s personal approval. This has got the party bigwigs in a panic, apparently.

HODGES: Reform chiefs are thinking the unthinkable over Farage polls https://t.co/iqxu7fu5Cz

— Reform UK Exposed (@reformexposed) August 2, 2026

Reform UK crashes back down to Earth

As demonstrated by Politico’s Poll of Polls, which “aggregates data from multiple sources to give a more accurate picture”, Reform held 30% of the vote share a year ago but just 24% today.

Reform has somewhat levelled off, but the latest polls suggest the party’s biggest issue right now is Labour’s growing support.

BREAKING | Labour surge to 4pt lead

Lab: 27% ( +5 )
Ref: 23% ( – )
Con: 17% ( -3 )
Lib: 12% ( +1 )
Grn: 12% ( -2 )

— Seats —
Lab: 267
Ref: 153
Lib: 79
Con: 48
SNP: 48
Grn: 14
Plaid: 11

Poll: Opinium, 29 July (+/- vs 17 July) pic.twitter.com/XCDwCUoHTy

— Stats for Lefties (@LeftieStats) August 1, 2026

As we’ve said elsewhere, we’re not confident Burnham can maintain this momentum in the long run. If he can keep this up for a few months, though, he could establish a significant lead over Reform. Given Farage’s many ongoing scandals, there’s no reason to think his party’s own polling won’t dip further too.

Speaking of Farage, look at what’s happening to his personal approval:

Approval Ratings (NET)

Andy Burnham: 16%
Kemi Badenoch: 1% (-2)
Ed Davey: 1% (+3)
Zack Polanski: -20% (-5)
Nigel Farage: -24% (+2)

Advertisement

Via: Opinium
Field Work: 29 – 31 July changes w/ 15 – 17 July pic.twitter.com/hJtsR5kOKx

— PollCheck (@poll_checker) August 1, 2026

Dissent from within the party

Given the obvious decline, it’s no surprise that senior Reform members are apparently not happy. As one told the Mail’s Dan Hodges:

There’s no way Nigel puts this behind him now. The five million quid isn’t going to go away. George Cottrell isn’t going away. I don’t understand what he was thinking. But it doesn’t matter. I don’t see how we move on from it.

If you’ve not been living under a rock, you’ll know the Canary reported the following on the topic:

Farage accepted the £5m gift from Harborne – a crypto billionaire – in 2024. At the time, he’d said he wouldn’t run in the general election, but this changed after he received the £5m. The problem is that after he became an MP, he was supposed to declare any ‘registrable benefits’ from the previous 12 months. Farage did not declare the £5m, and now it looks like he was purposefully trying to hide it.

George Cottrell, meanwhile, is a different crypto pusher, and one who’s made numerous dubious donations to Reform UK and Farage. He’s also an aristocrat known for calling Farage “Daddy” — make of that what you will!

Fraudster sent mum £2m before she made suspect Reform donation

Another Reformer told Hodges:

The Clacton stunt was madness. He’s totally marginalised himself and the party. Recess is the moment we traditionally capitalise. But we’re nowhere. We’re just talking to ourselves.

The Clacton by-election is actually being praised by the Tories according to Hodges, as one told him:

Because of the broadcasting rules on by-elections, there are now limits on how much coverage he’s allowed. That’s given us the space to control the agenda. Look at the coverage Chris [Philp, the Tory home affairs spokesman] has been getting on small boats. That’s Farage’s issue. And we’ve been running rings round him.’

It really is depressing that UK ‘politics’ is now just middle-aged men pointing at boats and asking, “Spare a vote, mate?”

None of this is actually going to improve the country, anyway. Sadly, the worse things get, the easier it is to trick people into believing that the poorest among us are the ones stealing all the wealth.

Treachery

In another fun section in Hodges’ piece, the Mail’s man writes:

As for Farage’s inner circle, long-standing suspicion has turned into a concrete belief there is a traitor in their midst. According to one source: ‘Someone is out to get Nigel. The stuff people are getting on the finances is too detailed. We’ve got a rat on the inside.’

The result is the number of people trusted to make decisions has shrunk to a tiny core of acolytes. Which in turn has added to the party’s dysfunctionality.

‘Nigel should be devolving decision-making,’ one former ally told me, ‘but instead everything’s becoming more centralised and secretive. It’s unsustainable.’

Who could have guessed that opening the door to Tory defectors would lead to the sort of in-fighting and dysfunction which plagued the former party of government? We can’t prove that the traitor is Robert Jenrick, but what we’re seeing is functionally identical to the sort of treachery he subjected Kemi Badenoch to.

Perhaps Farage & Co were always smart enough to freeze Jenrick out of the inner core? Regardless, someone is betraying Farage’s trust, and the man has a seemingly endless supply of skeletons in the closet.

It seems like things can certainly get worse for Reform. Given the previous 12 months, it seems like things can only get worse. This is something to be hopeful about, even while recognising that Labour is failing to offer the significant change this country needs.

Featured image via Getty Images

By Willem Moore

Source link

On Sunday, Restore Britain leader, Rupert Lowe, published a public appeal to Nigel Farage, of Reform UK. The message was superficially a request for the two parties to work together. It didn’t take a genius to spot that Lowe was actually trying to put himself in the driving seat, though.

While this obvious ploy was apparent to most, it seemingly wasn’t apparent to many Reform UK supporters. As such, Farage has had to reply, and he did so with a mealy-mouthed response which has been interpreted very differently by different people.

The next election will be an existential fight to save the country we love, a mission I have now been fighting for over 30 years.

After two national election victories in as many years, many people now recognise that it will be a binary choice between Reform UK and Labour.

Advertisement

With…

— Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) August 2, 2026

Farage and Lowe rivalry explained

Rupert Lowe was once part of Reform, but the party suspended him after a series of falling outs. Lowe would later found Restore Britain, a party which many commentators believed was exclusively an online phenomenon. Surprising many, the Makerfield by-election showed that Restore Britain could turn Facebook likes into votes.

BREAKING: Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield by-election

LAB: 24,937 (+6,725) – 54.8%
REF: 15,696 (+2,893) – 34.5%
RES: 3,111 (NEW) – 6.8%
CON: 997 (-3,382) – 2.2%
GRN: 308 (-1,468) – 0.7%
LD: 163 (-2,572) – 0.4%

Changes w/ 2024
58.75% turnout

— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) June 19, 2026

The same happened in the Greater Manchester mayor race (Restore at 9%).

Gr. Manchester result (+/- vs May local elections):

Lab: 47% ( +24 )
Ref: 21% ( -10 )
Grn: 12% ( -7 )
Res: 9% ( +9 )
Con: 8% ( -3 )
Lib: 3% ( -7 )

In May's local elections, Labour lost to Reform across the region by a 7pt margin. Tonight they WON by 26pts. pic.twitter.com/q1EPljiDzI

— Stats for Lefties (@LeftieStats) July 31, 2026

You’ll note the percentages for Restore Britain aren’t massive. They are impressive for a brand new party, though. And more importantly than that, they show that Lowe can ensure Reform loses even if Restore doesn’t win.

The further right = Restore Britain

Restore Britain is full of open white nationalists who want to ethnically cleanse the UK. This will make it pretty much impossible for Reform and Restore to work together.

Farage’s response wasn’t a clear refusal to work with Lowe because it didn’t actually mention him or Restore Britain. Reading between the lines, though, Farage was saying that the only realistic option for Restore Britain voters is to switch to Reform. As such, we were surprised to see some outlets suggesting otherwise.

BREAKING: Nigel Farage suggests he's open to working with Restore Britain after Rupert Lowe's request

"I understand Reform UK will need the support of people from other parties, as well as millions who have never voted before. That is the broad coalition I am building"

— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) August 2, 2026

As we’ll demonstrate, Farage really does not seem to be open to this.

What Farage’s reply to Lowe means

Farage’s response began as follows (emphasis added):

The next election will be an existential fight to save the country we love, a mission I have now been fighting for over 30 years.

After two national election victories in as many years, many people now recognise that it will be a binary choice between Reform UK and Labour.

With the prospect of an early general election increasingly likely, it is natural that people from across the political spectrum are considering which side of that fight they intend to be on. Patriotic voters believe in many of the same things, but only one party truly has the possibility of delivering change.

Clearly, Farage is saying that Reform and Labour are the uniparty now, and that supporting Restore is pointless.

Have to say, whatever you think of him, Rupert Lowe has done up Nigel Farage like a kipper. Farage wants to tell Lowe where to shove it. But is scared he’s currently too weak to tell him to shove it. So is trying to push him away without looking like he’s pushing him away.

— (((Dan Hodges))) (@DPJHodges) August 2, 2026

Farage continued:

To deliver that change, I understand Reform UK will need the support of people from other parties, as well as millions who have never voted before. That is the broad coalition I am building.

In other words, people who support other parties should defect to Reform.

Farage went on:

Over the last 18 months, I have demonstrated that our movement will always be open to anyone who shares our commitment to restoring Britain’s borders, rebuilding our economy, renewing our democracy and putting the British people first.

My previous history in politics has also shown that I am always prepared to put country before party, as I did in 2019. But I will never turn my back on my team.

Farage is alluding to the fact that he welcomed in ex-Tories — something Lowe has criticised him for. It’s also likely a reference to the fact that some of these politicians are Black and Asian. For reference, this is how ex-Tories Suella Braverman and Nadhim Zahawi responded to Farage’s message:

Agree https://t.co/QwvAZ3ObtQ

— Suella Braverman (@SuellaBraverman) August 2, 2026

Important & a must read. https://t.co/JsnTJ8GAb9

— Nadhim Zahawi (@nadhimzahawi) August 2, 2026

And this is how prominent Restore Britain member, Steve Laws, described Reform’s Zia Yusuf two days ago:

Invader trying to sneak past the military in Cueta. pic.twitter.com/0yjPwl5b0x

— Steve Laws (@Steve_Laws_) August 1, 2026

Reform would have to give politicians like Yusuf the boot to win back Restore Britain voters, and Farage clearly isn’t willing to do that. And as one Farage supporter noted online:

For those saying Farage is wrong not to accept Lowe's offer I say this.

If the owner of a smaller less successful business said to me our organisations should work together, but on their terms, and that I would have to sack my management team, my response would be fuck off.

Advertisement

— Knights Templar "Non Nobis Domine" (@x_browsing40115) August 2, 2026

Other people’s responses

Some of the worst people in the world are falling out over all this. The below exchange is between Restore-supporting Dan Wootton and Reform ally, Alex Phillips:

"Tory backers".
Names please.
If you had them it would be a good piece of original journalism, rather than lots of vague mud slinging.

— Dan Wootton (@danwootton) August 2, 2026

Advertisement

The terminally clueless Lucy Connolly seems to think that Lowe’s offer was genuine:

Oh my gosh, there is a god

There is not one single word I disagree with in this video, it actually made me emotional.

Advertisement

County before party, our children MUST come first @reformparty_uk @Nigel_Farage @TiceRichard @LeeAndersonMP_

You all know how much I respect and… https://t.co/yq859iiaJm

— Lucy Connolly (@LucyTCWife) August 2, 2026

However @RupertLowe10 your comments about ex Tories don’t sit well.
You are yourself an ex Tory and still one of the good guys.

So @SuellaBraverman @RobertJenrick @LeeAndersonMP_ have to stay. And you have to play nice

You can off the jab pusher though

— Lucy Connolly (@LucyTCWife) August 2, 2026

Connolly also had a hard time deciphering Farage’s message:

So is this a I’m prepared to sit down with Rupert and discuss or an absolutely not?

I can’t decide https://t.co/BwffQ4KtQJ

— Lucy Connolly (@LucyTCWife) August 2, 2026

Say what you will about Connolly, but she is a good bellwether for what your average Reform/ Restore voter is thinking. Laurence Fox is another who lacks the ability to read between the lines:

Good news.

He’s accepted the first principle.

Hopefully he will update his view on mass deportations to avoid demographic collapse.

Mr. Farage should play his part in uniting the right.

It’s not a one man job.

Advertisement

No more tall poppies.

Build a big tent.

All patriots welcome. https://t.co/tb0v0zDtes

— Laurence Fox (@LozzaFox) August 2, 2026

Advertisement

The fact that Farage is too weak to give an outright ‘no’ is being seen as a victory by some Restore members:

The fact that Farage's response to Rupert Lowe's offer to make amends and work together was not an immediate "No" (as some in Reform's orbit urged) is significant.

Despite the enmity between the two men, both recognise the current situation is regrettable and unsustainable.… https://t.co/QQOWVXxdoY

Advertisement

— Connor Tomlinson (@Con_Tomlinson) August 2, 2026

Commenter Jim Cognito observed the following:

If you really want to know Nigel Farage thinks of Rupert Lowe's offer, don't listen to what he says publicly.

He's in a position of weakness.

Read what he gets his useful idiots & attack dogs, like Raheem Kassam & Darren Grimes to say.

— Jim Cognito (@JimCognito2016) August 2, 2026

Speaking of Raheem Kassam, here’s what he’s saying (as highlighted by Restore member, Carl Benjamin):

He's just given the entire game away. Because of Reform's enmity towards Rupert, they will not work with Restore, no matter what happens to the country. pic.twitter.com/PR3sEUiqWN

— Carl Benjamin (@Sargon_of_Akkad) August 2, 2026

Chaos continues

This chaos and in-fighting is exactly what you should want if you oppose Reform and Restore. Restore Britain clearly has the potential to keep Farage out of office. The two parties being at each other’s throats is only going to amplify that potential.

In other words: let them fight.

Featured image via the Times

By Willem Moore

Source link

Source link