Interview at the ARC Conference

Nigel Farage, the controversial leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, recently spoke with *Fox News Digital* during the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) conference held in London. He conveyed a strong belief that Europe is on the verge of a “political revolution,” drawing a parallel to the wave of populism that led to Donald Trump’s earlier successes in the U.S.

Farage was particularly vocal in his support for remarks made by Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference. Vance posited that the greatest threats facing Europe are not traditional military adversaries like Russia or China, but rather governmental attempts to suppress free speech. He faced criticism for these assertions, but his supporters, including attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference, offered him applause.

Farage’s Political Insights

Farage described Vance as a prophetic figure, exclaiming, “He was addressing a European political class that is on its way out.” He further elaborated on his belief that the political upheaval experienced in America is destined to sweep across Europe as well.

Reflecting on his own political journey, Farage recalled his tenure in the European Parliament over a decade ago, characterized by fierce opposition to his views. “I was often screamed at, shouted at, and hated for my opinions,” he reminisced, drawing connections between past experiences and the present political climate.

Since his departure from the European Parliament in 2020—following the U.K.’s decisive vote to leave the European Union—Farage has been a significant player in shaping the landscape of British politics. He first led the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and later founded the Brexit Party in 2019, which has since been rebranded as Reform UK.

Reform UK’s Rising Popularity

In discussing his party’s recent ascent in national opinion polls, Farage attributed the surge to widespread disenchantment with traditional political parties. He expressed skepticism about the current ruling Labour Party under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming that there is little substantive difference between it and the Conservative Party.

“We are optimistic, we’re energized, and with the right leadership, we believe we can turn this country around,” he stated, reflecting a newfound sense of purpose within Reform UK.

Despite only holding five of the 650 seats in Parliament according to *Reuters*, Reform UK made significant strides in the most recent elections, finishing second in approximately 100 races. The report emphasized that rising anti-establishment sentiments echo across Europe, fueling growth in both far-right and far-left factions.

Addressing Social Issues

Farage didn’t shy away from discussing pressing social issues affecting the country, such as rising knife crime, immigration challenges, and a struggling economy. He remarked, “Can it be fixed? Not under this government,” indicating his belief that fundamental changes are necessary to address these societal concerns.

As the U.K. grapples with the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic and continues to navigate periodic recessions since 2023, Farage sees a daunting path ahead. “We are in for a couple of very, very tough years,” he warned, yet retained a glimmer of hope, insisting that “the turnaround will come at the next election.”