Yes, Farage's comments need to be discussed and the issue confronted. They are extraordinary. He appears to accept that the Islamisation of the country is inevitable so we had better get on the right side of history and accept it. I have hesitated about joining Reform because they are soft on the very issue that most concerns me. With a Muslim chairman now and all these overtures to the Muslim vote, one could be forgiven for thinking "What is the point of Reform?" An alternative view might be that this is part of a deep-thought plan to gain control of Govt after the next election, and then, when in power, to take effective action against the criminal elements, whether they are Muslim or otherwise. It doesn't have to be an overt part of the party's programme - just like Starmer today after staying shtum when out of power and then dishing out the tax increases and increasing the headlong pace to net zero.
What do I think? I don't know. But I have reservations about Reform.
Exactly right Jos, that's the hope I suppose - and it may be a shrewd move. Trouble is if, like the Tories, Farage 'welches' on the unspoken deal, we're back to where we started!
I hadn't noticed that. However, he has always regarded his political party as HIS, and seems to brook no opposition. Ben Habib was forced out for reasons unknown, and I thought he was one of the best Reform representatives. Tice is a nonentity. However, Farage has been extremely successful in building up an anti-EU party and winning a referendum, and he has to be a key element in any Reform success. No one else has his public profile or is willing to confront issues head-on. His current ambivalence is concerning but based, I think, on the impossibility or removing millions of Muslims who might have been born here or lived here for decades. That is why he is hoping for a cultural transformation amongst 'em. But the more there are of 'em, the more empowered they feel - and the more they will double-down on their culture and their desire to impose their values on us.
Another very thoughtful and thought provoking article Frank. Thank you. My take on Farage is that I agree he doesn’t go the whole nine yards particularly with regard to Islam and the issue of cultural alignment of young Muslims with the indigenous population. So you could argue he’s not the real deal. Not the full Tommy Robinson. Not going to turn the clock back to 1950 or satisfy every concern.
But I think we have to see Farage relatively to the other politicians on offer. Starmer? Hardly. Badenoch? You’ll be lucky to get an answer and if you do it’ll be her bloody principles rather than the policies we’re asking for. Davey? 🤮. So we’re left with Nigel. He’s mellow compared to Robinson but he’s electable unlike Tommy. Do we want more of Starmer and a fast track to Islamophobia Laws or do we want someone who will roll the excesses back. Not the whole nine yards but maybe seven?
Thank you, and yes I can see the argument for the pragmatic approach. The problem is, it was the same with Peter Hitchens assessment that the Tories were preferable to Starmer - that of course may well be, but it just means we get to an unwanted destination slower. My suspicion (and hope) is that Farage does recognise the danger posed by Islam, but is keeping his cards close to his chest.
I think the next four years of Trump in the US will be instructive for Farage and the UK and indeed for the whole of the West. If Trump embarks on mass deportations of foreign criminals, illegals and foreign and dual nationality villains, that will make it an inevitability everywhere. But that will still leave a lot of second and third generation Muslims who don’t fall into those categories and who may still represent a problem. I don’t see any solution other than trying to turn them into Zia Yusufs or offering them passage back to their ancestral homes.
I agree that Trump's embarking on a policy of mass deportations could be a game-changer. That, combined with Farage's opportunism, may persuade him closer to 2029 to adopt it as policy. We'll see.
However, Farage is clearly not a leader but a follower on the topic of Islam and he's frightened. That means he will continue to be both timid and unpredictable on this topic, which is the last thing we need in an insurgent leader. He is clearly clinging on for dear life to the idea of integrating the 'moderate majority' of British Muslims against all the evidence. If he hasn't realised yet, Zia Yusuf is an exception to the rule. Farage's suggestion that it is Muslims that are most concerned about Islamic extremism because of what the neighbours might think was comically naive. For one, it betrays an ignorance of the pattern of settlement of ethnic minorities in Britain.
As to the solution to the growing proportion of militant Muslims in our country, I think deportations of British citizens will be considered at some point in the future. Many may wince, but some would argue that many native Brits have already suffered far worse. The Overton window is visibly moving in the country, so I wouldn't bet against anything at present.
There’s really no point in Farage having a finished policy on anything so early in the electoral cycle. Reform can achieve their seat gains in English Councils in 2025 and the Welsh Senedd just through Labour’s ineptitude. They can also watch and learn from Trump’s first three years in the White House although I don’t believe the US has the degree of Muslim terrorism as a problem that we have? I don’t know enough about the US. So in that sense, is Farage a follower? It would seem stupid to me to not be a follower and to watch and wait and judge what works and what doesn’t. As Napoleon said “Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Or something like that.
When your ship is filling with water the first job is to stop the leak. We will need a raft of actions to solve this issue and Farage must know this. It starts with stopping immigration. Then deport the criminals from jail. Next those here illegally. Next those who have previously committed crimes. Next those under watch from MI5. That’s more difficult and it gets more difficult. Importantly none of these actions are one-offs and will to remain. I agree that the Overton Window is moving and it’ll move a lot more by 2029.
Thanks for this Frank, very thought provoking writing there. I have been a huge farage from since year dot and I do agree with your points that I hadn’t considered until now. I do think he missed a trick in the Southport aftermath by denouncing Tommy Robinson amongst others obviously to avoid the inevitable lefty fury. Robinson did nothing wrong imo and Nigel could and should have used his fantastic communication skills and popularity to at least try to change the narrative and alter the government’s anti nationalist path. Thanks again frank, I enjoyed reading this 👍🏻
Thanks a lot Martin. Yes, I agree re Robinson. Farage has always sort to keep distance between himself and those who speak out about Islam, but I do think he's missing a trick.
For many years France insisted that migrants conform to French ways of life and it has ended in bloodshed and disaster. The only way to avoid the problem of non-integration would be not to have adopted the policy of mass immigration at all, a ship that sailed decades ago. Unless we are advocating for the mass deportation of all Muslims (including British citizens), which would obviously be unjustifiable for a whole variety of reasons, what choice does someone like Farage have?
Yes, we now have a substantial (and growing) proportion of Muslims in the population, whether we like it not. But we could kick out the criminal element and stop subsidising their growth through the benefits system. And stop importing any more. Even so, given how radical many Muslims appear to be and how opposed to non-Islamic law and customs so many are, I think it a vain hope that over time they will adopt our values and become "proper Brits". If their numbers continue to climb, civil war is, in my view, inevitable.
How long has Yusuf been using a shortened version of his middle name, rather than Mohammed, which is his first name?
And why?
Is he embarrassed by his first name? Worried about Islamophobia?
I'd like to see him interviewed in depth about his religious beliefs. It's not difficult to work out if a Muslim is trying to soft pedal Islam. Ed Husain is a prime example of this type, lamely lying about some of the very unsavoury aspects of Islam and it's tinpot prophet
Farage is just another bog standard politician, weighing up how far to run with the hare and when to start hunting with the hounds. Natural behaviour for a politician.
He's being deliberately dishonest as he knows that if he tells the truth about Islam, his life is in danger. The institutionalised kowtowing to Islam is putting us all in mortal danger, especially added to useful-idiots of the left and the LGBTQWERTYPLUSVAT morons who'll be discarded or targetted once they serve no further purpose.
Yes I was disappointed by his dithering on Islam. If Muslims fear being castigated as a result of the numerous terror attacks committed in that religions name, where are the protest marches to say as much. Where are the community spokespeople enraged by them? Why do we have to accommodate and apologise for them. I keep repeating, the barriers on our high streets are not a result of the actions of Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Christian’s or Jews. Likewise the armed police at Christmas markets. It would be a mistake for Farage to try and gas light us in this respect
I feel having watched the videos that Farage understands the muslim problem but downplays it until he is in a position to do something about it I still have more faith in Paul Golding of Britain First.
I have always seen the muslims as a blind spot for Farage he forgets that the muslims want the world to regress by about a 1000 years thats the stupidity of their religion.There is only one way forward for this country and that is a Political party called Britain First and it is led by a man called Paul Golding if Britain First get a rich backer they will become a force to be reckoned with I sincerely hope this happens.
Only thing is it will not attract middle of the road old school Conservatives. Too big a leap. This situation has taken 30 years to get where we are and the roll back may be equally incremental. Best not to divide. Reform is using existing democratic processes very successfully. 5 mps and counting . And next election there maybe a speeding up as in USA.
Yes, Farage's comments need to be discussed and the issue confronted. They are extraordinary. He appears to accept that the Islamisation of the country is inevitable so we had better get on the right side of history and accept it. I have hesitated about joining Reform because they are soft on the very issue that most concerns me. With a Muslim chairman now and all these overtures to the Muslim vote, one could be forgiven for thinking "What is the point of Reform?" An alternative view might be that this is part of a deep-thought plan to gain control of Govt after the next election, and then, when in power, to take effective action against the criminal elements, whether they are Muslim or otherwise. It doesn't have to be an overt part of the party's programme - just like Starmer today after staying shtum when out of power and then dishing out the tax increases and increasing the headlong pace to net zero.
What do I think? I don't know. But I have reservations about Reform.
Exactly right Jos, that's the hope I suppose - and it may be a shrewd move. Trouble is if, like the Tories, Farage 'welches' on the unspoken deal, we're back to where we started!
I’ve got a ticket to get out- different passport.
I am disappointed. I have expected more from this country.
I hadn't noticed that. However, he has always regarded his political party as HIS, and seems to brook no opposition. Ben Habib was forced out for reasons unknown, and I thought he was one of the best Reform representatives. Tice is a nonentity. However, Farage has been extremely successful in building up an anti-EU party and winning a referendum, and he has to be a key element in any Reform success. No one else has his public profile or is willing to confront issues head-on. His current ambivalence is concerning but based, I think, on the impossibility or removing millions of Muslims who might have been born here or lived here for decades. That is why he is hoping for a cultural transformation amongst 'em. But the more there are of 'em, the more empowered they feel - and the more they will double-down on their culture and their desire to impose their values on us.
Another very thoughtful and thought provoking article Frank. Thank you. My take on Farage is that I agree he doesn’t go the whole nine yards particularly with regard to Islam and the issue of cultural alignment of young Muslims with the indigenous population. So you could argue he’s not the real deal. Not the full Tommy Robinson. Not going to turn the clock back to 1950 or satisfy every concern.
But I think we have to see Farage relatively to the other politicians on offer. Starmer? Hardly. Badenoch? You’ll be lucky to get an answer and if you do it’ll be her bloody principles rather than the policies we’re asking for. Davey? 🤮. So we’re left with Nigel. He’s mellow compared to Robinson but he’s electable unlike Tommy. Do we want more of Starmer and a fast track to Islamophobia Laws or do we want someone who will roll the excesses back. Not the whole nine yards but maybe seven?
Thank you, and yes I can see the argument for the pragmatic approach. The problem is, it was the same with Peter Hitchens assessment that the Tories were preferable to Starmer - that of course may well be, but it just means we get to an unwanted destination slower. My suspicion (and hope) is that Farage does recognise the danger posed by Islam, but is keeping his cards close to his chest.
I think the next four years of Trump in the US will be instructive for Farage and the UK and indeed for the whole of the West. If Trump embarks on mass deportations of foreign criminals, illegals and foreign and dual nationality villains, that will make it an inevitability everywhere. But that will still leave a lot of second and third generation Muslims who don’t fall into those categories and who may still represent a problem. I don’t see any solution other than trying to turn them into Zia Yusufs or offering them passage back to their ancestral homes.
I agree that Trump's embarking on a policy of mass deportations could be a game-changer. That, combined with Farage's opportunism, may persuade him closer to 2029 to adopt it as policy. We'll see.
However, Farage is clearly not a leader but a follower on the topic of Islam and he's frightened. That means he will continue to be both timid and unpredictable on this topic, which is the last thing we need in an insurgent leader. He is clearly clinging on for dear life to the idea of integrating the 'moderate majority' of British Muslims against all the evidence. If he hasn't realised yet, Zia Yusuf is an exception to the rule. Farage's suggestion that it is Muslims that are most concerned about Islamic extremism because of what the neighbours might think was comically naive. For one, it betrays an ignorance of the pattern of settlement of ethnic minorities in Britain.
As to the solution to the growing proportion of militant Muslims in our country, I think deportations of British citizens will be considered at some point in the future. Many may wince, but some would argue that many native Brits have already suffered far worse. The Overton window is visibly moving in the country, so I wouldn't bet against anything at present.
There’s really no point in Farage having a finished policy on anything so early in the electoral cycle. Reform can achieve their seat gains in English Councils in 2025 and the Welsh Senedd just through Labour’s ineptitude. They can also watch and learn from Trump’s first three years in the White House although I don’t believe the US has the degree of Muslim terrorism as a problem that we have? I don’t know enough about the US. So in that sense, is Farage a follower? It would seem stupid to me to not be a follower and to watch and wait and judge what works and what doesn’t. As Napoleon said “Never interrupt your enemy when he’s making a mistake.” Or something like that.
When your ship is filling with water the first job is to stop the leak. We will need a raft of actions to solve this issue and Farage must know this. It starts with stopping immigration. Then deport the criminals from jail. Next those here illegally. Next those who have previously committed crimes. Next those under watch from MI5. That’s more difficult and it gets more difficult. Importantly none of these actions are one-offs and will to remain. I agree that the Overton Window is moving and it’ll move a lot more by 2029.
Thanks for this Frank, very thought provoking writing there. I have been a huge farage from since year dot and I do agree with your points that I hadn’t considered until now. I do think he missed a trick in the Southport aftermath by denouncing Tommy Robinson amongst others obviously to avoid the inevitable lefty fury. Robinson did nothing wrong imo and Nigel could and should have used his fantastic communication skills and popularity to at least try to change the narrative and alter the government’s anti nationalist path. Thanks again frank, I enjoyed reading this 👍🏻
Thanks a lot Martin. Yes, I agree re Robinson. Farage has always sort to keep distance between himself and those who speak out about Islam, but I do think he's missing a trick.
Atb
Be interesting to see how successful Trump is in his deportations
if it is seen to work, and it’s not a specific Muslim invasion problem, then we may see Farage emboldened to publicly declare similar process
if UK can help Syria reform itself, then that could be a destination for Muslim deportations
For many years France insisted that migrants conform to French ways of life and it has ended in bloodshed and disaster. The only way to avoid the problem of non-integration would be not to have adopted the policy of mass immigration at all, a ship that sailed decades ago. Unless we are advocating for the mass deportation of all Muslims (including British citizens), which would obviously be unjustifiable for a whole variety of reasons, what choice does someone like Farage have?
Yes, we now have a substantial (and growing) proportion of Muslims in the population, whether we like it not. But we could kick out the criminal element and stop subsidising their growth through the benefits system. And stop importing any more. Even so, given how radical many Muslims appear to be and how opposed to non-Islamic law and customs so many are, I think it a vain hope that over time they will adopt our values and become "proper Brits". If their numbers continue to climb, civil war is, in my view, inevitable.
How long has Yusuf been using a shortened version of his middle name, rather than Mohammed, which is his first name?
And why?
Is he embarrassed by his first name? Worried about Islamophobia?
I'd like to see him interviewed in depth about his religious beliefs. It's not difficult to work out if a Muslim is trying to soft pedal Islam. Ed Husain is a prime example of this type, lamely lying about some of the very unsavoury aspects of Islam and it's tinpot prophet
Political Islam is the snake & everyday Muslims are the grass the snake hides in 🐍🕌🐍
Many muslim boys have Muhammad as a first name and use their middle name on a day day to day basis. Common practice.
Among themselves, too?
I think so. I have met families where this is the case
Farage is just another bog standard politician, weighing up how far to run with the hare and when to start hunting with the hounds. Natural behaviour for a politician.
He's being deliberately dishonest as he knows that if he tells the truth about Islam, his life is in danger. The institutionalised kowtowing to Islam is putting us all in mortal danger, especially added to useful-idiots of the left and the LGBTQWERTYPLUSVAT morons who'll be discarded or targetted once they serve no further purpose.
Yes I was disappointed by his dithering on Islam. If Muslims fear being castigated as a result of the numerous terror attacks committed in that religions name, where are the protest marches to say as much. Where are the community spokespeople enraged by them? Why do we have to accommodate and apologise for them. I keep repeating, the barriers on our high streets are not a result of the actions of Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, Christian’s or Jews. Likewise the armed police at Christmas markets. It would be a mistake for Farage to try and gas light us in this respect
What is the point of Reform if they can’t prevent our country from turning into a medieval back water .
I feel having watched the videos that Farage understands the muslim problem but downplays it until he is in a position to do something about it I still have more faith in Paul Golding of Britain First.
I have always seen the muslims as a blind spot for Farage he forgets that the muslims want the world to regress by about a 1000 years thats the stupidity of their religion.There is only one way forward for this country and that is a Political party called Britain First and it is led by a man called Paul Golding if Britain First get a rich backer they will become a force to be reckoned with I sincerely hope this happens.
Only thing is it will not attract middle of the road old school Conservatives. Too big a leap. This situation has taken 30 years to get where we are and the roll back may be equally incremental. Best not to divide. Reform is using existing democratic processes very successfully. 5 mps and counting . And next election there maybe a speeding up as in USA.
I do not give a shit about old school conservatives they are part of the problem if we take drastic action this country will be saved.
Most kind, thank you.
Thanks Pat
Same. I've noticed this disconcerting shift in Farage as well recently.