A tense scene unfolded in Cornwall this past Monday, as a group of masked protesters gathered outside the Carn Brea Leisure Centre in Redruth, where the Reform UK conference was taking place.
The demonstrators, who were determined to shut down the meeting, clashed with police, chanting “Nazi” and calling out what they deemed “far-right hatred.”
The event quickly turned chaotic, with heated confrontations and aggressive exchanges between the protesters and officers.
Protesters Rally Against Reform UK’s Ideology
The protest, organized by Cornwall Resists, a coalition of local groups dedicated to opposing oppression, erupted at 3:30 p.m.
The group marched with flags and placards, rallying against what they view as the dangers of far-right ideologies, which they believe are being pushed by Reform UK.
Many of the protesters wore masks and goggles to shield their identities while protesting the event.
Footage from the scene captured the intensity of the demonstration.
Protesters could be heard chanting “who protects the fascists?” while some shouted insults like “shame on you” and “you should be f***ing embarrassed.”
The crowd’s frustration boiled over as they engaged in physical confrontations with police, who responded by trying to disperse the group and shout, “go away.”
Reform UK’s Stance and Leadership at the Conference
Inside the conference, the atmosphere was starkly different.
Photos from the event showed a smiling Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, as he worked to bolster support for his party ahead of the upcoming council elections.
The conference was an opportunity for Cornwall-based members and supporters of Reform UK to network, hear from party leaders, and interact with local business delegates.
The event featured key Reform UK figures, including party chairman Zia Yusuf and former MP Ann Widdecombe.
These leaders spoke about the party’s direction and its vision for a radically different political landscape.
The conference, according to Reform UK, was meant to offer members a direct line to party leadership and a chance to exchange ideas with local business leaders.
Political Tensions Escalate Between Reform UK and Labour
The demonstration against Reform UK comes at a time of rising political tension.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Farage’s party.
In a speech at the Scottish Labour conference, Starmer accused Reform UK of “fawning” over Russian President Vladimir Putin and labeled the party’s politics as dangerous, pointing out their right-wing stance.
The attack from Starmer follows Reform UK’s surge in the polls, where the party has recently surpassed both the Tories and Labour in some surveys.
A recent YouGov poll put Reform UK at 27% support, ahead of Labour by two points and six points ahead of the Conservatives.
Starmer’s concerns also focused on issues like workers’ rights, the NHS, and the party’s stance on the war in Ukraine, claiming that Reform UK’s policies are “alien to working people.”
Farage Responds to Starmer’s Criticism
Nigel Farage, however, did not take these attacks lying down.
He responded to Starmer’s “desperate” accusations by defending Reform UK’s positions on key issues, particularly taxation and the economy.
Farage criticized the Labour Party’s tax-hiking budget, claiming it would lead to job losses, and dismissed Starmer’s comments about the NHS as “completely untrue,” especially the suggestion that Reform UK intends to charge for access to healthcare.
The mounting political challenges posed by Reform UK to the traditional parties continue to fuel a sharp divide in British politics, with both sides doubling down on their positions as the 2025 election approaches.