Key Takeaways
- Yinka Bankole, a former Dulwich college pupil, claims that Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform party, made racist comments towards him when they were at school together.
- Bankole alleges that Farage told him "that’s the way back to Africa" and made other racist comments, which he says were hurtful and malicious.
- Farage has denied making racist comments "with malice" and has suggested that any comments he may have made were just "banter" that would be viewed differently today.
- Bankole is one of 28 school contemporaries of Farage’s who claim to have witnessed racist or antisemitic behavior by him.
- Bankole has decided to speak out after watching Farage’s press conference, in which he denied any wrongdoing and accused the BBC and ITV of "double standards and hypocrisy".
Introduction to the Allegations
A former Dulwich college pupil, Yinka Bankole, has come forward with allegations that Nigel Farage, the leader of the Reform party, made racist comments towards him when they were at school together. Bankole claims that Farage, who was 17 at the time, told him "that’s the way back to Africa" and made other racist comments, which he says were hurtful and malicious. Bankole’s allegations are part of a larger investigation into claims of racism and antisemitism made against Farage by 28 of his former school contemporaries.
The Incident and Its Aftermath
Bankole, who was just nine years old at the time, claims that he was singled out by Farage in the school playground. He says that Farage towered over him and asked him where he was from, before making the racist comment. Bankole alleges that Farage would often wait for him at the school gate and repeat the comment, making him feel like a target. He says that he will always remember the "look of hatred" that Farage had for him, and that the experience has stayed with him to this day. Bankole’s story is a powerful example of the impact that racist comments can have on individuals, and highlights the need for accountability and consequences for those who engage in such behavior.
Farage’s Response
Farage has denied making racist comments "with malice" and has suggested that any comments he may have made were just "banter" that would be viewed differently today. He has also accused the BBC and ITV of "double standards and hypocrisy" for questioning him about the allegations. However, Bankole and others who have come forward with allegations against Farage say that his comments were not just harmless "banter", but were instead hurtful and malicious. Farage’s response to the allegations has been widely criticized, with many arguing that he is trying to downplay the severity of his actions and shift the blame onto others.
The Broader Context
The allegations against Farage are part of a larger conversation about racism and antisemitism in the UK. Many have expressed concern that Farage’s comments, and his response to the allegations, are indicative of a broader culture of intolerance and bigotry. The fact that 28 of Farage’s former school contemporaries have come forward with allegations against him suggests that this is not just an isolated incident, but rather a pattern of behavior that has been repeated over time. The investigation into Farage’s past behavior is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences he will face if the allegations are found to be true.
Bankole’s Decision to Speak Out
Bankole has said that he decided to speak out after watching Farage’s press conference, in which he denied any wrongdoing and accused the BBC and ITV of "double standards and hypocrisy". Bankole said that he was angry and frustrated by Farage’s response, and felt compelled to share his story in full. He is not a member of any political party and has voted for multiple parties over his life, and says that he is speaking out because he wants to hold Farage accountable for his actions. Bankole’s decision to speak out is a brave one, and highlights the importance of holding those in power accountable for their actions.
Conclusion
The allegations against Nigel Farage are serious and deserve to be taken seriously. Bankole’s story, and the stories of the 27 other former school contemporaries who have come forward with allegations against Farage, highlight the need for accountability and consequences for those who engage in racist and antisemitic behavior. Farage’s response to the allegations has been widely criticized, and it remains to be seen what consequences he will face if the allegations are found to be true. Ultimately, the outcome of this investigation will depend on the evidence and the willingness of those in power to hold Farage accountable for his actions.
