Farage Faces Hypocrisy Claims Over 2013 Meeting with Labour Activist
Nigel Farage has been branded a hypocrite by the Labour Party after a photograph surfaced showing him meeting with Labour activist Arshad Khatana in 2013, a man now accused by Reform UK of holding extremist views and having close ties to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Historical Photo Sparks Political Row
The image, taken at the Ghousia Mosque in Leeds during an interfaith event, depicts Mr Farage, then leader of UKIP, alongside Mr Khatana. This revelation comes as Labour has suspended Mr Khatana following allegations made by Reform UK, which link him to Chancellor Reeves and highlight purported extremist statements.
Reform UK has pointed out that Mr Khatana has been photographed with Ms Reeves on at least 27 occasions since 2010. However, the chancellor has stated she was unaware of the abhorrent views he is accused of expressing.
Labour's Swift Action and Counterclaims
Labour sources have accused Mr Farage of scoring an own goal, suggesting his past association with Mr Khatana undermines Reform UK's criticisms. A Labour spokesperson emphasised that the party acted promptly in suspending Mr Khatana once the allegations came to light.
They contrasted this with Reform UK's handling of other controversies, such as not taking action against councillor Simon Evans, who liked a social media post calling for a Labour MP to be shot, or Hampshire mayor candidate Chris Parry, who made racist remarks online.
Reform UK's Allegations Against Khatana
According to Reform UK's Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, Mr Khatana has shared content glorifying terrorists from proscribed groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. He is also accused of making inflammatory statements, including calling for revenge against India and hosting preachers with antisemitic views at his Leeds mosque.
Mr Jenrick criticised Ms Reeves for her close relationship with Mr Khatana, questioning her judgement and urging her to explain the association. He argued that this raises concerns about sectarian politics influencing national affairs.
Defence and Broader Context
In response, Reform UK defended Mr Farage's 2013 meeting as a chance encounter at a multi-faith event, noting he has met thousands of people over his political career. They stressed the difference between such a brief interaction and Ms Reeves's repeated engagements with Mr Khatana, including visits to his home and social media connections.
Labour maintains that Ms Reeves does not share Mr Khatana's alleged views and was unaware of them. The party has suspended Mr Khatana, who served as vice chairman of the Leeds Council of Mosques and was a member in Ms Reeves's Leeds West constituency.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between political parties over extremism and accountability, with both sides trading accusations of hypocrisy and inadequate responses to controversial figures.
