Nigel Farage is facing a powerful new challenge to his denials of alleged racist and antisemitic behaviour at school, after 26 of his former peers and a teacher united to condemn his response in a scathing open letter.
A Collective Voice of Dismay and Anger
Some 25 former pupils and one ex-teacher from Dulwich College have come together for the first time to express their profound disappointment with the Reform UK leader's reaction to the allegations that have surfaced in recent weeks. The signatories, who attended the private school between 1975 and 1982, state they were compelled to write due to the "dismay and anger" caused by Farage's repeated denials.
The allegations, which Farage has consistently rejected, include claims he said "Hitler was right," made references to Nazi gas chambers directed at Jewish pupils, and told a young Black child to "go back to Africa." Reform UK has previously suggested the claims are a politically motivated smear campaign.
Refuting the 'Political Smear' Defence
In their letter, first reported by The Guardian, the group directly counters the suggestion that their accounts are a coordinated political attack. They assert it is "false" to claim they are politically motivated, noting they "represent a broad swathe of professional backgrounds and political opinions."
They emphasise their lack of coordination, stating: "Most of us have had no contact since we left Dulwich. Until writing this letter, we have not acted as a group. We have neither plotted nor conspired. All we have in common is that we either directly experienced or witnessed your racist and antisemitic behaviour."
The signatories also challenge the idea they only came forward because Reform is leading in polls, pointing to previous media reports dating back to 2013, a 2016 El Pais article, a 2019 open letter in The Independent, and a 2022 biography by Michael Crick.
Calling for Ownership and an Apology
The letter argues that while people should not necessarily be judged forever on youthful actions, those seeking high office must "own their past and demonstrate honesty." They describe Farage's refusal to acknowledge his past behaviour as more disturbing than the original incidents.
"Your denials have caused dismay and anger, and compelled us to come forward," they write. "None of us has taken lightly the decision to speak up. It has been deeply troubling to revisit our memories, let alone to share them with journalists and the broader public."
The group also dismantles Farage's attempt to contextualise his alleged language by citing comedians like Bernard Manning, arguing his behaviour was "exceptional, even for those times" because it involved direct, personal intimidation and abuse.
The letter concludes with three direct calls to action for Farage: to recognise the events happened, to apologise for them, and to make it clear he has renounced the racist, antisemitic, and fascist views he expressed.
Political Reaction and Party Response
Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley described Farage's refusal to properly address the allegations as "shameful," adding that his inability to answer questions "leaves the impression he may have something to hide." She urged him to "finally do the right thing" and apologise fully.
Earlier this month, Farage reacted angrily to journalists questioning him on the claims, demanding an apology for offensive BBC programmes from the 1970s and 80s instead. Reform deputy leader Richard Tice has previously dismissed the allegations as "made-up twaddle."
In response to the latest letter, a Reform UK spokesperson told The Guardian: "These latest attacks are a naked attempt to discredit Reform and Nigel Farage." They characterised the claims as "50-year-old smears" and part of a "witch-hunt" by the left-wing media and the Labour Party.
The signatories include award-winning director Peter Ettedgui, who was 13 when he says Farage would tell him "Hitler was right" or "Gas them," adding a hiss to mimic gas chambers. The full list of 26 names includes several who have chosen to remain anonymous, identified only as 'Former Pupil'.
