Reform UK has claimed parliamentary authorities cut Nigel Farage’s taxpayer-funded security detail by 75 per cent, forcing “generous donors” to step in and ensure the party leader’s protection at a cost exceeding £1 million annually.
The explosive allegation came as Reform’s Head of Policy Zia Yusuf accused Sir Keir Starmer of embarking on an “unprecedented vicious and coordinated” campaign of demonisation against Mr Farage, referencing the recent assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Speaking on Times Radio on Wednesday, Mr Yusuf revealed that the security reduction occurred two weeks ago, describing the timing as particularly concerning given what he characterised as Labour’s escalating rhetoric against the Reform UK leader during their annual party conference in Liverpool.
“Two weeks ago, the authorities cut Nigel’s security detail by 75%, and then we have seen the most extraordinary 48 hours of demonisation and, I’m going to say it again, incitement to violence, against the man who is the bookmakers’ favourite to be the next prime minister,” Mr Yusuf stated.
Private Donors Fill Security Gap
The Telegraph reported that Mr Farage was informed at the beginning of September that his round-the-clock government-funded protection would be dramatically reduced. Since then, Reform UK donors have reportedly stepped in to cover the shortfall in protection, with the party deciding that using both private and public security providers would be unworkable.
All of the Clacton MP’s security is now privately funded, according to sources familiar with the arrangements. Mr Yusuf sought to reassure Reform supporters in a video posted to social media platform X, stating: “Thankfully, we’ve had generous donors step in to shore up that security. So I can assure you, Nigel is safe and he is well protected.”
The Reform policy chief described the decision by the Parliamentary Security Department as “inexplicable,” suggesting it placed the controversy over Labour’s rhetoric at the party conference into stark context.
Charlie Kirk Assassination Referenced
Mr Yusuf made pointed reference to the “tragic” killing of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old American conservative activist who was shot dead whilst speaking at Utah Valley University on 10 September. Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with aggravated murder, with Utah prosecutors seeking the death penalty.
Kirk, who was a close ally of President Donald Trump and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during what was meant to be the first stop of his American Comeback Tour. Prosecutors allege Robinson targeted Kirk because of his “political expression,” with court documents revealing text messages in which Robinson allegedly stated he had “had enough of his hatred.”
The assassination sent shockwaves through conservative circles globally, with far-right activists in the UK invoking Kirk’s name during rallies and protests. Tommy Robinson referenced Kirk’s death when mobilising support for a “Unite the Kingdom” rally in London shortly after the killing.
Labour’s ‘Coordinated Attack’
Mr Yusuf’s comments came after a bruising Labour Party conference where multiple cabinet ministers launched attacks on Reform UK’s immigration policies. He specifically cited eleven cabinet ministers who had called Mr Farage racist, including Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, whom he said had called the Reform leader “worse than racist.
Most controversially, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy had accused Mr Farage of having “flirted with Hitler Youth when he was younger,” comments he later walked back without apologising, stating: “He has denied it. And so I accept that he has denied it.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had branded Reform UK’s policy to scrap indefinite leave to remain status as “racist and immoral” during his keynote speech, declaring Labour would “fight you with everything we have” in the run-up to the next general election.
Mr Yusuf characterised these attacks as “the most extraordinary, unprecedented vicious and coordinated set of demonisation attacks and incitement of violence” against Mr Farage.
Parliamentary Authorities Respond
A House of Commons spokesperson declined to comment on specific security arrangements but stated: “Any assessment of an individual MP’s security arrangements or advice is subject to a rigorous risk-based assessment, conducted by security professionals and with input from a range of professional authorities.”
The spokesperson added: “Whilst these are naturally kept under continuous review, we do not comment on specific details so as not to compromise the safety of MPs, parliamentary staff or members of the public.”
Reform UK claimed the Home Office was aware of the parliamentary authorities’ decision to scale back Mr Farage’s security. The Home Office has been contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.
History of Security Concerns
This is not Mr Farage’s first dispute with Commons authorities over security matters. In October 2024, he was forced to backtrack on claims that he had been advised by Commons authorities not to hold constituency surgeries on security grounds, after parliamentary sources disputed his assertions.
When challenged about the discrepancy at a press conference, Mr Farage conceded: “The Speaker’s Office is always right,” after initially claiming security teams had advised him against holding in-person surgeries in his Clacton constituency.
The Reform UK leader has faced numerous security incidents throughout his political career, including having milkshake thrown at him during campaigning and requiring police intervention at various public events.
Political Stakes Rise
The security row comes at a particularly sensitive time, with Reform UK currently leading in some opinion polls and Mr Farage described by bookmakers as favourite to become the next Prime Minister. The party has capitalised on discontent over immigration and the cost-of-living crisis, positioning itself as the primary opposition to Labour’s government.
Mr Yusuf suggested the Prime Minister was resorting to extreme measures because “he knows he cannot beat Nigel Farage at the ballot box, so he’s resorted to the most extraordinary and frankly, nefarious means.
The escalating rhetoric between Labour and Reform UK reflects deepening political divisions, with both parties viewing the other as an existential threat ahead of local elections in May and the next general election scheduled for 2029.
Reform’s claims about the security reduction and Labour’s alleged incitement have added a dangerous new dimension to an already toxic political atmosphere, with concerns growing about the potential for political violence in an increasingly polarised environment.
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