The master of Dulwich College has described allegations of racist and antisemitic behavior by Nigel Farage during his time as a pupil as "profoundly distressing" and incompatible with the school's values. The Reform UK leader hit back, calling the comments "uninformed" and denying the nearly 50-year-old claims.
Robert Milne, master of the elite South London private school, made the statement in a letter to former pupil Jean-Pierre Lihou. The letter, published by Sky News, addresses allegations that Farage engaged in racist conduct and sang antisemitic songs during his school years.
Milne wrote: «Allegations of racist and antisemitic conduct are profoundly distressing, and it is important to say clearly that such behaviour is wholly incompatible with the values the College holds.»
Farage Denies Contact
Farage responded that he has never spoken to Milne. «I have not met or spoken to this master. So I am surprised by his uninformed comments in response to claims from nearly 50 years ago from politically motivated actors,» he said.
The Reform leader claimed to possess messages from former classmates, including Jewish pupils, that contradict the allegations. «If he is interested, I can show him the many messages that I have received from fellow pupils, including Jewish ones, that entirely contradict these allegations,» Farage said.
"Witch Hunt" Claims
Reform UK characterized the renewed focus on the decades-old allegations as politically motivated. A party spokesman said: «This witch hunt is merely an attempt to discredit Reform and Nigel Farage. Instead of debating Reform on the substance of our ideas and policies, the left-wing media and deeply unpopular Labour Party are now using 50-year-old smears in a last act of desperation. The British public see right through it.»
Richard Tice, Reform's deputy leader, previously dismissed the claims as "made up twaddle."
School's Position
In his letter to Lihou, Milne acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations and apologized for the distress caused. He explained that the school's public silence was not «indifference» but rather «to protect the College's reputation in the long term.»
The master emphasized current school policies: «What we can unequivocally state is that the behaviours described are entirely at odds with the Dulwich College of today. The College has robust, actively implemented policies on equality, diversity and inclusion, was well as strong anti-bullying measures.»
The Allegations
Former classmates have claimed Farage said "Hitler was right" during his time at school. Lihou has alleged that Farage sang antisemitic songs.
Farage admitted last month to making remarks that could be interpreted negatively today. «Have I said things 50 years ago that you could interpret as being banter in a playground that you could interpret in a modern light of day in some sort of way? Yes,» he told reporters. He added: «I've never directly really tried to go and hurt anybody.»
Eleven Holocaust survivors have written to Farage demanding he "comes clean" regarding the claim that he said "Hitler was right."
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
