Farage targets teachers as protest disrupts Reform rally

Nigel Farage attacks “leftwing” teaching unions after anti-racism protesters interrupt a campaign event in Doncaster.

TODAY

Mar 25, 2025 — 2 min read

Nigel Farage launched a fierce attack on Britain’s teaching unions after a group of anti-racist protesters interrupted a Reform UK event in Doncaster. The incident occurred during the announcement of Reform’s mayoral candidate.

Eight protesters from the Stand Up To Racism campaign were ejected from the venue, prompting jeers from the audience and a barrage of insults from Farage.

“That’s what you get, folks, when teaching unions in this country are poisoning the minds of young people, not just against Reform, but against everything this country has ever stood for,” he told the audience. “I’ll make it clear, when we’re in a position of power, we will go to war with these leftwing teaching unions and make sure our kids are taught properly.”

Farage mocked the demonstrators and claimed such groups aim to disrupt fair elections.

“We will not be stopped by a ranting student mob, we will fight on and win these elections in Doncaster.

“We know these hard-left organisations are going to do everything... go back to school please, we know what’s going to happen. Boring, boring, boring.

“They will do everything they can to stop this being a free and fair election. Have a look at that. The anger, the anger, you must be at university.”

In response, activists from Stand Up To Racism argued that their protest was essential. “Farage is trying to spread hate and division at a time when we need unity,” said co-convener Sabby Dhalu.

Daniel Kebede, head of the National Education Union, denounced Farage’s remarks as “unhinged” and accused him of mimicking US President Donald Trump: “Schools and colleges work to educate our children in a fair and balanced way and to foster respect and collaboration. These are principles that will be alien to the leader of Reform.

“It is clear from the exchange in Doncaster that Reform have nothing to say on education and instead seeks to attack teachers and their unions. An unhinged move, copied from the Trump playbook.”

Reform UK’s education policy includes a “patriotic” curriculum, bans on “transgender ideology” in schools, tax breaks for private schools, and defunding universities said to “undermine free speech”.