The recent rioting in England and Belfast, has seen Nigel Farage and Reform trying to use the riots for political purposes to fuel people’s prejudices regarding immigration and racial tension within local communities where tensions are already high. Farage is not responsible for the primary causes of the riot as has been suggested, but he should be condemned for using the riots for political purposes and trying to polarize and stigmatize different parts of our community. It could be that Nigel Farage, is trying to emulate Enoch Powell, as has been suggested in Jason Cowley’s Reaching for Utopia. I will leave that for others to judge whether that this is the case or not.
How should Ed Davey respond to Nigel Farage trying to use the riots for political purposes? Firstly, I want to commend Layla Moran’s performance on various media outlets, by being constructive and offering support to the Government and the Police through the difficult days of the riots, which we hope to have now passed us. Sadly, it will not bring the three young girls killed in Southport back, or the untold damage done to communities throughout England and Belfast.
However, Ed Davey should lead calls for a ‘cordon sanitaire’ around Nigel Farage and Reform. A ‘cordon sanitaire’ is the refusal of one or more political parties to cooperate with other political parties considered radical or extreme. It can be argued that Reform falls into the ‘radical right’ and other parties should not join in a Coalition with them or have an electoral pact with Reform. With our politics becoming more European, despite Labour winning a landslide, these things must be thought through.
Therefore, Ed should call on other parties to join the Liberal Democrats in a ‘cordon sanitaire’ against working with Nigel Farage and Reform. I can see Labour and the Green Party willingly prepared to join a ‘cordon sanitaire’ against Reform. The Conservatives will have a dilemma on whether to be part of a ‘cordon sanitaire’ against Reform, which I will touch on at the end, although all six leadership candidates have refused to allow Nigel Farage into the Conservative Party. I think also morally it will be correct for Ed to lead calls for a ‘cordon sanitaire’ because as Liberals, we believe in an open, cosmopolitan society.
Furthermore, our main valence voter is an Identity Liberal, who sees Reform’s ethnocentric view to be outdated and stigmatizing communities. Identity Liberals see migration as a positive force for good and enriches our communities. Indeed I think this following sentence in Brexitland, not just sums up Identity Liberals but us as a political party, ‘Identity Liberals seek to protect vulnerable minorities from the ethnocentric hostility and discrimination they deplore, embracing both equal opportunities policies which aim to protect minorities from discrimination and improve their representation in powerful institutions’
Throughout our history, we have stood up as a political party for persecuted groups, whether it was supporting the campaign for women to have the franchise to vote, or whether it was the Young Liberals and their campaign against apartheid and finally, Lynne Featherstone bringing in Equal Marriage in 2013. We should be prepared once again to stand up for those who are unfairly being persecuted by Nigel Farage and Reform.
Whereas, Nigel Farage and Reform’s main valence voter is an Identity Conservative, who believe in a sense of Constructivism of ‘us’ and ‘them’. They believe that the nation-state is at risk from supranational organizations such as the European Union (EU) or World Trade Organization (WTO), they have negative emotions towards issues on diversity and immigration, and they think British Culture is under threat. These concerns have been exploited by people such as Matthew Goodwin, to say the ‘elites’ have not listened.
As Liberal Democrats, we should of course listen to their concerns and assuage them that Britain is not going to lose its identity, but will be better for being an open, compassionate country. We should be taking Nigel Farage and Reform head on, as Chris Huhne did in 2009 regarding Nick Griffin and the BNP. Chris Huhne’s argument from Question Time, is still as relevant today, as Nigel Farage and Reform look for the ‘other’ to blame for our problems in Britain.
Penultimately, I turn to the Conservative Party and how they will react to a ‘cordon sanitaire’ around Reform. We have had all six leadership candidates refusing to allow Nigel Farage into the Conservative Party, but that is different from ruling out an electoral pact with Nigel Farage and Reform or entering a coalition with Reform, in any elected council or Parliament. On the Other Hand, we have Conservatives wanting Nigel Farage in the Conservative Party. As I state in an earlier article, the Conservatives and Nigel Farage are fighting over the soul of Conservatism – making the Conservatives paralyzed on the issue of a ‘cordon sanitaire’ around Nigel Farage and Reform.
Finally, I believe a ‘cordon sanitaire’ is the moral course of action for Ed Davey to take. The majority of Liberal Democrats will defend Farage’s right to speak as liberals but complete disagree with the content and substance of what he is speaking. We should be clear that Nigel Farage and Reform is a political party, who we share no values with. As Liberal Democrats we are not prepared to work with Reform under any circumstances and call on other political parties in the mainstream to do the same.
* Adam Robertson is a member of East Suffolk Local Party, and a member of Liberal Reform. Adam currently works for a Local Principal Authority. Former Parliamentary Candidate for Lowestoft.
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32 Comments
This is pointless. Reform have 5 MPs in a House of Commons in which Labour has a majority of 172. There are simply no plausible opportunities to cooperate with Reform in a way that will make any significant difference in Parliament. All you’d achieve by declaring a Cordon Sanitaire is play into the belief of many Reform voters that mainstream politicians don’t listen to them, and thereby probably increase Reform’s popularity.
Besides, I thought one of the strengths of the LibDems was that we do try to take things issue by issue and not descend into the tribalism of Labour/the Tories where they demonize their opponents just for which party they belong to. As such, is it not better and more in keeping with liberal values to (rightly) condemn Nigel Farage’s actions when he does awful things like use rioting for political ends, but without condemning him as a person or refusing to work with Reform if there are any areas in which we have common ground. And remember, we do have common cause with Reform over the urgent need for proportional representation. I’d hate to see that cause damaged because of posturing over stuff that (although very serious in itself) has nothing to do with electoral reform.
Sounds similar to what when on in France …
You had the ‘far left’ teaming up to stop the ‘far right’…..Both of whom have no love of the EU or it’s institutions…
You defeat any advisary on better ideas and policies… Reform represent a significant number of the electorate wether we like it or not – over 17%, a figure that not long ago – bring ourselves would of been very grateful
for ….As regards the recent events , can anyone say that they are comfortable with some of the sentences being handed down – for retweeting a tweet – as obnoxious as that was …As liberals we should be uncomfortable with some of that sentencing ?
“Throughout our history, we have stood up as a political party for persecuted groups, whether it was supporting the campaign for women to have the franchise to vote”. Errrrr, no, not quite, Mr Robertson.
Consider Party Leader (and ex P.M.) H.H. Asquith’s written comment in his Paisley campaign, 30 January, 1920 ……. even after some women (not all) had got it :
“There are about fifteen thousand women on the register – a dim, impenetrable, for the most part ungettable, element – of whom all that one knows is that they are for the most part ignorant of politics, credulous to the last degree, and flickering with gusts of sentiment like a candle in the wind”.
(HHA, Letters from Lord Oxford to a friend, 1915-1922, p.125, ed. Desmond MacCarthy, pub Geoffrey Bles, London, 1933).
Goodness me @MartinGray, what utter tosh. This lifelong Liberal, wholly committed to peaceful protest and direct action feels, if anything, that the sentences for these violent thugs are on the lenient side. Violent people, almost exclusively male, need reminding that there is a severe price to pay for such violence. These sentences send a clear message, violence is wholly unacceptable.
More to the point, other than occasionally mentioning to his voters his millions from dubious right wing America, don’t give Farage any more publicity.
@Mick Taylor ….Are you saying retweeting a tweet deserves a 20 months jail term ? …
Some people are rightfully wondering – given that many have been victims of robbery , burglary, assault & yet see the perpetrators escape with a community punishment etc ..
Given that these pages not long ago many posters were pushing for prison reform to include less custodial sentences …How things change !….
No-one has received a 20 month prison sentence just for retweeting a tweet.
We cannot appear to be wishy washy on these sentences. For once I agree with Mick Taylor. As for Farage being boycotted will not hurt him or his party. The media,including BBC seem to be going to Reform as third party comments. They have already been on Question Time and Any Questions. Where are we?
No way . Don’t do this. Reform will increase their share of the vote with this cordon sanitaire. We have got this in Belgium with Vlaams Blok. The last elections in Belgium, they became almost the biggest party .
Stop with this idea. Drop it !
Simon R – You say Reform have only 5 MPs now, but Nigel Farage is currently fighting with the future leader of the Conservative Party, for the soul of Conservatism as we currently speak. Whether the Conservatives recognise that is another debating point, worthy of another article.
What do you suggest we do if Nigel Farage succeeds in taking over the Conservative Party, and sees the ‘mainstream centre-right’ party become a populist party as Tim Bale has mentioned in his book about the Conservatives, The Conservative Party after Brexit?
I agree with you, that we need to ensure that voters that are enticed by Refom – are persuaded through our style of Community Politics and Mutualism, that we will take their concerns seriously.
On the issue working with Reform, I will be honest as a pluralist- I just cannot see myself working on the same panel as Reform, which is different from the same side. I suggest you read their Manifesto, particularly around the Equality Act 2010. They want to scrap it, Simon. As a disabled person (who has ASD), where do I stand for reasonable adjustments in the workplace, if Reform scraps the Equality Act 2010? They say want to help SEND Pupils, but the fact they don’t accept disability as a recognised specialist characteristic sends a shiver down my spine, let alone what else they wouldn’t recognise.
Martin Gray – I recognise that they got 15% of the vote, and I have said we are looking at a form of European Politics despite Labour winning a majority. My big concern is that us and Reform could well end up the big winners at the County Council Elections next year, due to the different demographics of the Conservative Vote splitting to Reform and ourselves.
The Tory-Reform pool is not homogeneous, and we have to ensure that we can capture the centre liberal-right vote. Where does the Cameroonite Vote go, considering as Nick Clegg is vilified by certain sections of our party – despite even journalists such as Stephen Bush (Financial Times) recognising that the Coalition will be seen as a good governance.
Does Ed Davey want to be Prime Minister, and be a Party of Power? Yet we seemingly want to ‘airbrush’ the Coalition from our History. Not saying the Coalition was perfect, but it did provide good governance to the country.
Tim Rogers – You raise a very valid point, and we need to argue with broadcasters that actually we need to be on the same as the Conservatives near enough – as it is not inconceivable that they could split.
Suella Braverman has talked about going to Reform, and Liz Truss has even said the Conservatives could die as a party. Nigel Farage may take the grassroots Conservatives with him, which means the traditional Government/Opposition does not work.
Who will defend the Coalition Legacy in that circumstance, as we seemingly want to ‘airbrush’ it from our history – yet the questions what Ed Davey could ask could be forensic as David Owen’s or Roy Jenkins as he has been part of a Cabinet and knows what kind of questions to ask.
@Andrew Melmoth…
“A father-of-three has been jailed after re-posting a tweet calling for attacks on asylum seekers originally written by the wife of a Tory councillor.
Tyler Kay, 26, was sentenced to 38 months”
Plenty of other examples Andrew…If you & Mick are comfortable with that level of sentencing that’s fine …As a liberal I’m most definitely not …
@MartinGray. What do you suggest then? People who advocate violence and killing or burning immigrants? Pat them on the head and say don’t be a naughty boy/girl and don’t do it again? Free speech is not licence, there are qualifications as per JS Mill. Violence or its advocacy are simply not acceptable. Of course, I would like people jailed to have to undergo education in prison to try to persuade them to change their views, but community service or similar simply doesn’t cut it. Only when these thugs face the reality that their views/actions are unacceptable and will get them jailed will we have any chance of stopping further riots and killings in the future. Clamping down further on knives and guns is also required.
David Raw’s first contribution in this thread has brought joy into my rainy Saturday morning. Awkward though it is, the history matters – the party was hopelessly split on women’s suffrage, at least until we realised that we were going to do quite well with the “housemaid’s” vote (ie non-Tory but also non-organised labour).
Might reform of the governance of the B. B. C. to make its news arm and its subsidiaries objective and incisively and equitably analytical help?
P. S. Why do the Greens get less exposure on the B.B. C than Mr. Farage (and co)?
@Mick T…Of course they were abhorrent messages Mick – I’m not condoning them whatsoever – nor do I think those that post them should escape punishment. I’m saying those that have posted them would be better dealt with a community punishment not a custodial one . These sentences look like they are driven by a political motivation – given that many in those communities see offenders go unpunished or given weak sentences for various criminal activity..
@ Martin Gray: you have only repeated the headline about Tyler Kay. In reality the case is more complicated. He re-tweeted the disgusting violent racist tweet of the Tory councillor’s wife, but posted several other messages of his own to go along with it. Incitement to violence is a serious crime. And has had serious consequences in the recent riots.
@Adam Robertson: a cordon sanitaire would be a serious tactical and long-term error. It would give massive publicity to Reform. And tend to polarise political discussion around them. Avoid.
The correct response to Reform is to criticise their arguments. But also be aware that most voters think immigration is much too high currently. As a party we have recognised immigration is too high. And have done some policy thinking on the matter. I’m glad to see the Labour Party steal one of our ideas about tackling trafficking gangs.
Because Farage might say something shocking and create a story. LibDem and Greens are sensible and moderate therefore dull.
@Martin Gray
Tyler Kay was jailed for incitement to violence and publishing material intended to stir up racial hatred. He was convicted on the basis of his own published comments not just retweets.
Not sure where you are getting your information from but I’d suggest you read the sentencing remarks from the judge rather than rely on media reports.
@Andrew & Mick ..
Obnoxious and hateful social media posts as distasteful as they are & I’m certainly not condoning them – all I’m asking do you think that’s a constructive use of a prison cell for nearly 3 years for that crime …A community sentence/programme would be more suited ..These sentences look from the outside to be politically motivated …
@Steve: At least in part because the Greens got 6% of the vote at the election and Reform got 14% The main broadcast channels do (and I think are obliged to) take account of level of support when allocating air time.
No, I don’t think so.
I can’t remember the quote exactly, but near enough. A fairly new MP to one with considerably more experience in the HoC:
” The trouble with this place is there are far too many ****s ”
Senior guy : ” I’m sure you’re right. The thing is, there are a lot of ****s in the country, and they are as entitled to representation as anyone else”
@ Ruth Bright Thanks for the kind words, Ruth. As as you say, the history and the accuracy matters.
My favourite person who helped to get suffrage for women is Catherine Marshall…… a suffragist rather than a suffragette. IMHO the Pankhursts probably delayed it – burning LLG’s house down at Walton Heath didn’t exactly motivate him…… though the forced feeding of suffragettes in prison (and the Cat and Mouse Act) when Asquith was PM and Herbert Gladstone was Home Secretary can only be described as shameful.
At one point Catherine pulled on her Yorkshire connections with Asquith to get a meeting in Downing Street to successfully stop the transportation of conscientious objectors to France (where they would probably have been shot). A few years ago I was privileged to help get a blue plaque erected to Catherine at her former home in the Lake District. Our LDV correspondent Katharine Pindar sang in the choir at the event.
The late Jo Vellacott wrote a splendid biography of Catherine – and of course there’s plenty about her on the internet. Catherine’s pic is on the Millicent Fawcett statue in Parliament Square.
Chris Moore – Are you saying that the Liberal Democrats should enter a coalition or some kind of ‘confidence and supply’ with Reform in some of the County Councils next year, if it is a hung parliament next year?
Have you read the Reform Manifesto, and that they want to abolish the Equality Act. Where do I stand as a disabled person in the workplace, regarding reasonable adjustments if Reform withdraw the Equality Act? Please tell me what the Liberal Democrats should do in those circumstances.
Of course, we should criticise their arguments, Simon. I have done that since standing as a General Election Candidate for the Liberal Democrats. Some individuals were voting for me, to make a protest against Reform and their kind of politics.
In terms of immigration, we need a sensible debate around immigration.
Chris Moore – I mean hung councils not hung parliament. My apologies.
Hello Adam,
I’m certainly not in favour of us entering any coalition with Reform at local or national level.
In the same way, ahead of the General Election, we ruled out coalitions with the Conservatives. But we didn’t declare a “cordon sanitaire”.
There is almost no common ground between the LDs and Reform. Only PR. And I’ve always been totally against the tendency of some members to want inward-looking campaigning based on the issues that excite THEM: i.e. currently Single Market and PR. We got away from that decisively at the last general Election, thankfully.
(You will remember the famous letter to the Guardian signed by some party figures wanting to take us backwards in this regard.)
However, there is a lot of common ground between what Reform VOTERS want and what our party is offering i.e. good public services, less corruption and so on.
It would be very big strategic error to give marvellous publicity to Reform. We have to show a little bit of strategic guile.
@Adam: One of the hardest things about being a liberal can be that it requires tolerance and understanding that other people can have vastly different beliefs – or they might genuinely hold opinions that we find shocking or threatening. Accepting that other people’s beliefs are genuine and talking to them and working with them despite those disagreements is almost always better and less divisive than just refusing in principle to work with other people because you disagree with them.
Now as it happens I think an actual coalition with Reform would be next to impossible at Government level and very unlikely even at council level because there is so little in common policy-wise. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t ever cooperate. As an example to illustrate the point, suppose it’s a town council with LibDem and Reform councillors and the issues are getting better lighting in a park and making a public toilet available in the town, and the Reform councillors are sympathetic. Are you really going to refuse to talk to the Reform councillors about how best to achieve those things, and as a result possibly deprive residents of that better lighting and toilet facilities, purely because of the Reform councillors’ party label or because of what one single sentence in their national manifesto says about the Equality act?
In the media August is known as the ‘Silly Season’ for a reason…
Articles on LDV about Liberal Democrats calling for Taylor Swift to receive the Freedom of the City of London (the highest accolade granted by the City of London), and offering Nigel Farage EVEN MORE of the publicity he craves, confirms that impression….
Our Taylor has done good by the economy and deserves her Freedom.
We should build on that precedent.
I suggest:
Rhiannon: Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford in reverence for her intellectually challenging lyrics.
Lady Gaga: warden of the Welsh Marches. She is the greatest musician of all time after Taylor.
The Prodigy: patron saints of the Fire Service, plus Freedom of City of Bristol.
Simon R – As a Liberal, I will defend people’s right to say what they believe in but I do not have to agree with the substance they are saying.
Most Town Councils are non-political, but party politics usually do not happen on Town Councils. I am on my local Town Council, and we agree not to bring party politics to the meetings. There is another argument on whether Town Councils should be political or not.