Farage: The master of hate sinks to new low

Most decent people would not look for cheap political points, hours after the deaths of innocent people killed by a fanatical terrorist in Berlin two days ago.

Sadly, former UKIP leader Nigel Farage knows no decency. On the contrary, Farage clearly thinks nothing about using such a tragedy to rubbish humanitarian efforts shown by German Chancellor Angela Merkal by giving sanctuary to Syrian refugees. Then whilst in full hate-flow, he stoops even lower to accuse the widower of Jo Cox, Brendan Cox, of supporting extremism.

Farage was following the remarks from his hero, President Elect Donald Trump, who said this morning that the killings in Berlin Xmas market yesterday were yet another attack by “Isis and other Islamic extremists on Christians in their communities”. Farage then waded in claiming the attack in Berlin would reflect Angela Merkel’s “legacy”.

But when Brendon Cox responded by tweeting, “Nigel Farage; blaming politicians for the actions of extremists? That's a slippery slope Nigel”. Farage hit back by claiming that because Cox supports the campaign group, ‘Hope not Hate’, that he himself is supporting extremism.

A number of politicians could not believe just how low Farage had sunk:

Tottenham's Labour MP David Lammy wrote: “Insulting the widower of a woman murdered by terrorists. A period of silence on your part would be welcome Nigel.”

And MP for Chesterfield, Toby Perkins wrote: “When your entire career has been built on hate, not hope, it perhaps shouldn't shock me, but Farage still sinks lower than I'd have believed.”

At a time like this politicians should be offering condolences to those who have lost loved ones, not stirring up racial hatred.

The sad reality is that this ever-changing world is entering a new phase post-Brexit, and with the election of Donald Trump.

When very senior politicians spew divisive language, including the crude clash of cultures rhetoric it only serves to fuel the extremism they argue we need to confront. Worse still such language only stirs up deep hatred of the 'other', something at which Nigel Farage is slowly becoming a formidable master.

Simon Woolley