In a letter to a former pupil, the master at Dulwich College said allegations of racism and antisemitism are ‘profoundly distressing’ and said the alleged behaviour is ‘at odds’ with its values
Nigel Farage’s former school has said the Reform leader’s alleged behaviour is “at odds” with its values.
In a letter to a former pupil, obtained by Sky News, Dulwich College’s Master Robert Milne said allegations of racism and antisemitism have been “profoundly distressing”. Former classmates of the Reform UK leader have claimed a teenage Mr Farage claimed “Hitler was right”.
Last week eleven Holocaust survivors wrote to the Reform chief demanding he comes clean about whether it was true. In a letter to former pupil Jean-Pierre Lihou – who alleges he heard Mr Farage singing antisemitic songs – Mr Milne said the school’s silence should not be interpreted as indifference.
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Reform UK has said its leader is the victim of a “witch-hunt”. In a letter to Mr Lihou, the South London school’s top teacher wrote: “We are always grateful when Old Alleynians feel able to share their experiences with us, even – and perhaps especially – when what they describe is painful or difficult. I am very sorry to hear how troubling recent reports have been for you.
“We fully recognise the seriousness of the behaviours described in the media, and we understand why you and others who were at the College during that period have felt compelled to speak out.
“Allegations of racist and antisemitic conduct are profoundly distressing, and it is important to say clearly that such behaviour is wholly incompatible with the values the College holds.”
Mr Milne said the school had not made any public comments “to protect the College’s reputation in the long term”. However he wrote that this should not be interpreted as “indifference”.
He wrote: “What we can unequivocally state is that the behaviours described are entirely at odds with the Dulwich College of today. The College has robust, actively implemented policies on equality, diversity and inclusion, was well as strong anti-bullying measures.”
Mr Farage has faced a barrage of questions after the allegations came to light. Last Thursday Reform’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, dismissed the claims as “made up twaddle”.
But Mr Farage later described them as “alleged” remarks in a bad-tempered press conference. He then proceeded to read out a letter which said he had made “offensive” comments – but that it was not done through malice.
Last month he told reporters: “I’ve never directly really tried to go and hurt anybody. Have I said things 50 years ago that you could interpret as being banter in a playground that you could interpret in a modern light of day in some sort of way? Yes.
“Have I ever misspoken in my life in my younger days when I was a child? Probably. I would say to you, there is a strong political element to this.”
The Mirror has contacted Reform for comment. A party spokesman told Sky: “This witch hunt is merely an attempt to discredit Reform and Nigel Farage.
“Instead of debating Reform on the substance of our ideas and policies, the left wing media and deeply unpopular Labour Party are now using 50-year-old smears in a last act of desperation.
“The British public see right through it.”