Politics
Protesters Target Farage with Putin Banner at Rally Amid Controversial NATO Remarks
Banner depicting a grinning Vladimir Putin disrupts Nigel Farage's speech
During the Reform UK leader's commentary on the Ukraine conflict, where he suggested that Western actions and NATO incited the Russian invasion, the activist organization Led By Donkeys staged the interruption.
By Dylan Donnelly, journalist
Sunday, June 30, 2024, 8:
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An election rally featuring Nigel Farage was interrupted by the unexpected appearance of a banner depicting a grinning Vladimir Putin, which was lowered from the ceiling.
Activist organization Led By Donkeys orchestrated the prank while the leader of Reform UK was delivering a speech at the Columbine Centre in Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex.
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A video shared on social media captured a banner unfurling from above, featuring the Russian leader giving a thumbs up, accompanied by the words "I [heart emoji] Nigel".
The statement follows Mr. Farage receiving criticism for earlier comments in which he suggested that the West and NATO had "provoked" Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Upon noticing the sign, Mr Farage, who is representing Reform UK in Clacton, remarked, "Who hung that? Someone at the Columbine Centre should be fired."
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Spectators were audibly urging to "rip it down" as two individuals attempted to dismantle the banner. After struggling to do so, they eventually walked off the stage.
The group Led By Donkeys highlighted in the video that Mr. Farage had expressed admiration for Mr. Putin as the world leader he respected the most during a 2014 interview with GQ magazine. However, he clarified that he does not support Putin politically or personally.
Following Mr Farage's statements about Russia during a recent television appearance, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak criticized the Reform UK leader’s remarks as "completely wrong," adding that they merely serve to benefit Putin.
Stay informed with the most current updates from both the UK and international scenes by tuning into Sky News.
In a recent development, Reform UK has pulled its backing from three of its election candidates following accusations related to their remarks, as the controversy surrounding racism within the party intensifies.
Channel 4 News broadcasted covertly recorded video showing Andrew Parker, a campaigner for Mr. Farage, using the derogatory term "P***" in reference to the prime minister, calling Islam a "repulsive cult," and suggesting that the military should "simply shoot" migrants attempting to cross the Channel.
Leaders from various political parties criticized Reform UK, and Mr. Sunak responded angrily, stating that Mr. Farage needed to address certain issues.
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The individuals running for office in the Clacton district include:
Matthew Bensilum, from the Liberal Democrats
Jovan Owusu-Nepaul, from the Labour Party
Craig Jamieson, Environmental Party
Tony Mack, Unaffiliated
Natasha Osben, representing the Green Party
Tasos Papanastasiou, from the Heritage Party
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK
Andrew Pemberton, UKIP – Opposes Unlawful Immigration
Giles Francis Watling, member of the Conservative Party
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