Nigel Farage has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups after accusing asylum seekers of exploiting the UK’s immigration system and fuelling crime, comments that several charities have described as stoking “unevidenced fears” and deepening social division.
Speaking at a Reform UK press conference on Monday, Farage claimed that migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats “know they have an over 99 per cent chance of staying”. He went on to allege they come to the UK to be “looked after” with free healthcare, weekly “pocket money” of £49, and in some cases, to “probably work illegally either in delivery services or drugs or whatever it may be.”
His remarks came just hours after demonstrators were accused of attempting to storm a hotel housing asylum seekers in London’s Canary Wharf. Despite this, Farage dismissed suggestions that his rhetoric could incite unrest or fear, insisting: “We have to recognise something, there are some people who come from certain cultures that pose a danger to our society.”
Charities Condemn ‘Dangerous’ Divisive Comments
Humanitarian charity Care4Calais condemned Farage’s speech, calling it “populist politics” that endangered both migrants and the communities they live in.
Steve Smith, the group’s chief executive, said: “It’s hardly surprising that the politician who inflamed last summer’s race riots would spread unevidenced fear about people seeking sanctuary again.”
“His form of populism doesn’t require facts; it is built on dangerous, unsourced, ill-informed, divisive soundbites. It sows division in our communities, and like last summer’s race riots, it puts the lives of people seeking sanctuary in danger.”
Steve Smith
Anti-racism campaign group Hope Not Hate also weighed in. A spokesperson accused the Reform UK leader of “trading on fear” to manipulate public opinion on immigration and crime.
“Farage trades on fear because it galvanises his supporter base and keeps the spotlight on the issues he wants to exploit, immigration and ‘law and order’.
“By talking up crime, he positions himself as the lone strong-man solution. However, Reform’s approach to law and order is deeply hypocritical. Reform figures have excused rioters at anti-migrant protests, and even praised vandalism of ULEZ cameras. It’s cuffs for opponents and leniency for friends.”
Hope Not Hate spokesperson
Meanwhile, London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office issued a rebuttal to Farage’s claim that women could not safely walk through the West End at night while wearing jewellery. Referencing official data from the Metropolitan Police, a spokesperson noted a 20% fall in robbery cases in the past year within that area, surpassing the London-wide average of a 12% drop.
“Nothing is more important to the Mayor than keeping Londoners safe,” the statement read.
Farage also used the press event to allege a “cover-up” by police over an ongoing rape case involving a 12-year-old girl in Nuneaton. While two men have been charged in connection with the case, Farage accused authorities of withholding information and likened the situation to what he called “the Southport killings last year.”
Critics argue that such claims only serve to inflame tensions, especially amid heightened anxieties around immigration. With the general election looming, Farage has doubled down on rhetoric that many see as inflammatory and racially charged.
While his supporters see him as a truth-teller unafraid to challenge political correctness, rights groups continue to warn that his statements can have real-world consequences, including violence and marginalisation against vulnerable communities.
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