Former Conservative Party chairman David Davis has demanded the UK government reinstate police protection for Reform Party leader Nigel Farage after its funding was reduced by 75 percent last month. The call comes amid heightened concerns over political violence and potential copycat attacks following recent high-profile incidents, including the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
In a letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Davis emphasized that Farage, a prominent figure in British politics, faces “extremely high” risks due to his visibility. “It strikes me that Mr Farage is a particularly high-profile target, arguably at greater risk than many Cabinet ministers,” Davis wrote. The Reform Party has warned that the security cut leaves Farage vulnerable, especially as the party gains momentum ahead of upcoming elections.
Labour MPs have criticized Farage’s policies, with some accusing him of promoting divisive rhetoric. Home Secretary Mahmood previously described Farage as “a little bit worse than racist” and claimed he had “blown a very, very loud dog whistle to every racist in the country.” Meanwhile, Labour Members of Parliament Jonathan Brash and Mike Tapp mocked Farage for raising security concerns, labeling him a “coward” and “snowflake.”
Reform’s head of policy, Zia Yusuf, accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of orchestrating a campaign to incite violence against Farage. The dispute underscores deepening tensions between the governing Labour Party and Reform, as political polarization intensifies ahead of key elections.
