The recent debate about how Reform UK should deal with Tommy Robinson has electrified the British political media in a way that has led to rational thinking being put to one side.
Indeed, the most fundamental aspect of the issue has often been ignored, overcome by a wave of emotional outbursts. The thinking seems to be that, if you are opposed to the grooming gangs, then you must support Robinson. This approach is totally flawed.
Before considering politics, it is both informative and necessary to look at the track record of the person who is espousing said viewpoint. In Robinson’s case, this makes very poor reading. First, he is a former member of both the British National Party and the English Defence League.
Decisions to join these organisations, even if later reversed, say much about the political principles of an individual. Secondly, from a review of his track record, many would describe him as a violent thug, especially when an assault on an unarmed police officer is noted. Harassing a journalist and her partner, in the opinion of most people, is odious behaviour.
Seeking to enter another country on someone else’s passport and conducting mortgage fraud are also highly unlikely to contribute to a favourable impression. So, I think all of us, political commentators or otherwise, can be forgiven when we say that his political stances, coming from someone with his track record, are totally irrelevant, even if we might agree with some of his views.
So, when Nigel Farage sets out his rationale in his rejection of Robinson, his approach is based on clear principles and, to Farage’s great credit, his attitude has been totally consistent over many years. More than a decade ago, Farage identified the sickening grooming gangs scandal, as did several others in the public eye. While it is certainly helpful that others with followings, such as Robinson, emphasise the issue too, it is wrong to think that they are either unique or that what is being said is new.
Nigel Farage will be proved right about Tommy Robinson, writes Gary Mond
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Yet how is the Robinson issue going to affect Reform UK’s support in future elections? My view is that Farage’s stance will increase the Reform UK vote.
As the party becomes much better known among the British population, especially with the tens of millions of the electorate who are less political, his principled approach will chime. There is massive outrage about the grooming gangs and a huge concern about uncontrolled immigration, and these matters have to be dealt with. Reform UK has good answers on these and many other issues (such as the absurd net zero target, the economy overall and taxation).
Additionally, and importantly, Farage’s comments here have dispelled any whiff of unpleasant extremism that might have worried some potential Reform UK voters.
Now, some might claim that Robinson has millions of supporters. Who will they vote for, if anyone? When an election comes, the vast majority of voters choose on the basis of the issues – not the personalities.
Reform UK’s policies, even for Robinson supporters, will be the closest to what they want from the credible political parties.
In conclusion, nobody wishes Robinson any harm, and it is important that he is treated absolutely fairly and properly by the law. However, his rejection by Reform UK is entirely sensible and will unquestionably help it in its quest to form Britain’s next government.