Steve Coogan slams Nigel Farage’s Reform UK with three-word insult

The Alan Partridge star was clear about his verdict on Donald Trump, plans for Gaza, Nigel Farage’s party and the new world order in 2026

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Alan Partridge star Steve Coogan has delivered a scathing critique of Reform UK, branding Nigel Farage’s party as ‘anti-human rights’. The Greater Manchester-born actor and comedian, set to portray football boss Mick McCarthy in the upcoming film Saipan, expressed alarm that world leaders believe they can “do what the f*** (they) like” during international conflicts.

Speaking to Big Issue, he said: “I’m very troubled by the notion of what is acceptable behaviour in terms of conflict, by both what’s been happening in Gaza and these military attacks by the US on the boats and killing defenceless people and somehow trying to reframe that.

“So I am worried about the erosion of human rights and viewing the idea of human rights as some sort of impediment and how Reform are anti-human rights because they think it’s some red tape bureaucracy.”

Alongside his attack on the Nigel Farage-fronted organisation, Coogan discussed Saipan, hitting UK cinemas on January 23, which chronicles the infamous bust-up between former Ireland skipper Roy Keane and ex-manager McCarthy during the 2002 Fifa World Cup, reports the Manchester Evening News.

He said: “Early on, (the film’s narrative) was 60-40 in favour of Roy, and I wanted it to be more even-handed. Once that happened, I wanted to be on team Mick for the purposes of the film, and I do think there is merit on both sides.

“Both have validity. Mick was trying to make the experience of being in a World Cup meaningful for the players and the people of Ireland. It was an important cultural experience.

“The old cliche that it was not the winning but the taking part is something Mick was embracing, whereas Roy Keane was fed up of the idea of the plucky underdog. He wanted to kick against that, and he did.”

Coogan is most recognised for portraying Partridge, who initially emerged on television in The Day Today back in 1994, subsequently appearing in numerous TV programmes including Knowing Me Knowing You With Alan Partridge, I’m Alan Partridge and most recently How Are You?

It’s Alan (Partridge). The character made his cinema debut in Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, whilst Coogan has also featured in pictures such as 24-Hour Party People (2002), The Look Of Love (2013) and Stan And Ollie (2018).

Reform UK has been contacted for comment. The complete interview with Coogan can be found in this week’s Big Issue, available from vendors now.