Key facts
- Nigel Farage said Andy Burnham's comments on Brexit have given him the "biggest boost in my career."
Nigel Farage stated that Andy Burnham’s comments reviving the Brexit debate have provided him with the "biggest boost in my career." Farage believes Burnham’s remarks have reopened a significant political flank for his Reform UK party, particularly in "red wall" areas. The Reform leader suggested that public opinion on rejoining the EU could shift if the costs were clearly communicated.
The comments highlight a potential shift in political strategy around Brexit, with Reform UK seeking to capitalize on any perceived reopening of the debate. Farage's assertion suggests that the issue remains a potent rallying point for his party, potentially influencing voter sentiment in key constituencies ahead of a general election.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has claimed that comments made by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, have provided him with the "biggest boost in my career" by reviving the Brexit debate. Farage stated that Burnham's remarks have reopened a "huge flank" for his party, particularly in "red wall" areas of the north and Midlands.
Speaking before a Reform UK rally in Doncaster, Farage indicated he was relishing a return to the arguments used during the 2016 referendum. He dismissed polls suggesting public support for rejoining the EU, asserting that such support would wane if the costs, estimated by him at £25 billion annually, and implications like joining Schengen and recommitting to the euro were made clear. Farage suggested that while Burnham might be trying to win back Green voters in cities, his strategy could alienate voters in traditional Labour heartlands.
During the rally, Farage expressed enthusiasm for campaigning on the issue of EU rejoining in areas like Doncaster. He also hinted that Reform UK's internal investigation into a donations controversy, which involved allegations of circumventing electoral laws on foreign donations, was complete and would be released soon. Farage suggested that legal action might be taken against journalists involved in the reporting of the controversy. The party is currently under investigation by the Metropolitan police over these allegations.
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