A Labour minister has publicly branded Nigel Farage racist for his comments regarding the proliferation of Turkish barber shops across the United Kingdom. Miatta Fahnbulleh, a shadow minister, accused the Reform UK leader of engaging in what she termed the 'politics of grievance' and division.
Accusations of Racism and Division
The controversy stems from a Facebook video posted by Mr Farage in April of last year. In the footage, he highlighted how Turkish barber shops had 'sprung up all over the country,' expressing scepticism about their operations. He suggested that many only accepted cash, did not genuinely focus on cutting hair, and often had 'a Lamborghini out the back,' implying potential illicit activities.
Speaking to the Guardian, Ms Fahnbulleh stated: 'We're all aligned in thinking the last government failed in the last 15 years, but Reform don't have the answers. They turn and do the politics of division. They blame people of difference rather than deal with the fundamentals.'
Fundamental Issues Versus Racial Overtones
When directly questioned on whether she believed Mr Farage's focus on Turkish barbers carried racist connotations, Ms Fahnbulleh responded unequivocally: 'Yes, I do. The fundamentals aren't to do with the colour of the skin of people running our high streets. It's to do with long-term decline and neglect.'
Her comments underscore a broader political debate about the state of Britain's town centres, which Reform has made a key campaigning issue, frequently asserting that the country is 'broken.'
Reform UK's Defence and Broader Context
In response to the accusations, a Reform spokesman defended the party's position, stating: 'This is not a matter of ethnicity. The National Crime Agency itself has said many of these establishments are used as fronts for money laundering as well as a whole range of criminality which is why they carried out hundreds of raids on them last year.'
The spokesman's remarks aim to reframe the discussion around crime and economic regulation rather than racial targeting. This defence highlights the complex interplay between community concerns, law enforcement actions, and political rhetoric.
Farage's Video and Subsequent Reactions
In his widely circulated video, Mr Farage was seen visiting a barber shop, where he expressed apparent surprise that the business 'actually pay tax' and accepted credit cards instead of solely cash. He joked: 'You're going to tell me you actually have customers,' before noting the widespread presence of Turkish barbers across the nation, calling it 'a racket the whole thing.'
After his interaction, speaking directly to the camera, Mr Farage remarked: 'So there you are we have found a barbers shop that doesn't have a Turkish sign out the front but actually has customers and doesn't have a Lamborghini out the back.' He added, with laughter: 'God, the stick I am going to get for that.'
This incident has ignited a fierce political row, touching on sensitive issues of immigration, community integration, and the economic challenges facing British high streets. It reflects deeper societal tensions and the polarising nature of contemporary political discourse in the UK.
