Nigel Farage has called on Technology Secretary Peter Kyle to issue a public apology after making a controversial remark linking the Reform UK leader to notorious sex offender Jimmy Savile.
Farage condemned the statement as “disgusting,” following Kyle’s appearance on Sky News, where he made a striking accusation: “Make no mistake if people like Jimmy Savile were alive today, he would be perpetrating his crimes online – and Nigel Farage is on their side.”
The comment sparked immediate backlash from Farage and other members of Reform UK, who are calling it a “sickening smear” that has no place in political debate.
Row Erupts Over Online Safety Law
At the heart of the row is the government’s new online safety law – legislation intended to protect users from harmful content, particularly children. While the government defends the law as a crucial tool in fighting online abuse, Reform UK has pledged to scrap it.
The party claims the law undermines civil liberties and fails to effectively safeguard children.
“Freedom of speech is being strangled,” Reform UK has argued, saying the legislation gives too much power to tech firms and threatens open debate.
Farage didn’t hold back in his response: “Do the right thing and apologise,” he urged Peter Kyle, accusing him of crossing a moral line with his Savile comparison.
Zia Yusuf, a Reform colleague, echoed the sentiment, stating: “This is one of the most appalling things I’ve seen in my political life.”
Heated Political Climate
The comments from Peter Kyle have inflamed an already tense political climate, where debates over online freedoms and regulation are growing increasingly fierce.
Reform UK is capitalising on the moment to position itself as the defender of free speech and reasoned debate, warning that the government’s current trajectory risks alienating the public.
The fallout from Kyle’s remarks could prove damaging. Critics say the use of such extreme comparisons only fuels division and distracts from real debate.
Farage’s call for an apology has been echoed by supporters who believe that public discourse should not stoop to personal vilification.
As the pressure mounts, all eyes are now on Peter Kyle. Will he double down or apologise for what many see as an incendiary and deeply inappropriate remark?
In a climate of growing mistrust in political leadership, moments like this highlight just how critical it is for elected officials to lead with responsibility — and restraint.
