Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has openly refused to participate in parliament’s anti-bullying and harassment training, dismissing the initiative as “woke” and unnecessary.

Farage is one of five MPs who have declined to take part in the program, which aims to improve workplace behavior and adherence to harassment and sexual misconduct guidelines.

A spokesperson for Farage confirmed his position, stating, “Mr Farage has not taken part in ‘behaviour code awareness training’ and has no intention of engaging with this woke scheme.”

The program, which is mandatory for MPs under parliament’s rules, has already been completed by 637 of 650 MPs. However, eight MPs remain on the waiting list, while Farage, along with Conservative MPs Neil O’Brien and Dr. Caroline Johnson, and DUP MPs Sammy Wilson and Gregory Campbell, have declined to participate entirely.

Former shadow minister Charlotte Nichols, an advocate for improved working conditions in parliament, criticized the decision of those refusing to engage in the training. She emphasized the importance of leadership in addressing workplace standards.

“As MPs are not just office holders but employers, it is vital that we practise what we preach on robust standards in the workplace, which includes a duty and responsibility to attend all relevant training to uphold those standards. The culture of parliament has to change and MPs must lead on this.”
Charlotte Nichols

Parliament has faced scrutiny in recent years over allegations of bullying and misconduct. Some MPs have faced suspension, while others have been permanently expelled for breaches of workplace standards.

The case of Peter Bone, a former Conservative MP, brought the issue to the forefront. Bone was suspended from the Commons for six weeks in October 2023 after being found guilty of multiple acts of bullying and one instance of sexual misconduct against a staff member.

Following his suspension, a recall petition led to a by-election in his Wellingborough constituency, which the Conservatives ultimately lost.

The inquiry revealed that Bone had “verbally belittled, ridiculed, abused and humiliated” an employee and had “repeatedly physically struck and threw things” at them during his tenure in 2012 and 2013.

Anti-Bullying Training in the Spotlight

The anti-bullying program is part of a broader effort to address such behavior and prevent future incidents. Sanctions for breaching parliamentary rules range from formal apologies to suspensions, with severe cases resulting in by-elections.

Advocates argue that MPs, as public representatives and employers, have a responsibility to uphold workplace standards and model appropriate behavior. The program aims to raise awareness of these expectations and foster a culture of respect within parliament.

Farage’s decision to reject the training comes at a time when Reform UK is gaining traction in the political landscape. A recent Techne UK poll revealed a narrowing gap between the three main political parties. Reform UK has climbed to 22%, closely trailing the Conservatives at 25% and Labour at 27%.

The poll reflects growing dissatisfaction among voters, with Reform UK positioning itself as a viable alternative to the two dominant parties. Farage’s staunch opposition to what he perceives as “woke” initiatives may resonate with sections of the electorate who share his skepticism toward political correctness and institutional reform.

As debates over workplace culture and accountability continue, the refusal of Farage and other MPs to engage in anti-bullying training highlights a persistent divide in attitudes toward institutional change.

For proponents of the program, participation is a critical step toward addressing long-standing issues within parliament. However, for critics like Farage, such initiatives are emblematic of what they view as unnecessary and ideologically driven reforms.

With public trust in politics wavering, the actions of MPs — both in their legislative roles and their adherence to workplace standards — are likely to remain under intense scrutiny.