Nigel Farage faces criticism for perceived homophobia after suggesting that heterosexual couples tend to have more stable relationships. The leader of Reform UK was recently questioned regarding remarks made by MP Danny Kruger, who recently joined Farage’s party.
Kruger, the son of Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, expressed at a conservative conference in 2023 that marriages between men and women were crucial for a secure and prosperous society. When asked about his stance on Kruger’s statements within Reform, Farage emphasized the importance of stable parental figures for children, noting that relationships between men and women often endure longer.
Opposing views were raised by Labour MP Nadia Whittome, labeling Farage’s comments as “vile homophobia” aimed at reigniting contentious debates on gay marriage and adoption. Whittome expressed concerns that the LGBTQ+ community’s rights could be jeopardized under a potential Reform government.
Stonewall, a LGBTQ+ rights organization, highlighted the diversity of modern families, emphasizing the significance of a nurturing and stable environment for children’s well-being and development.
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics in 2023 revealed divorce rates of 8.6 per 1,000 married men and 8.5 per 1,000 married women, including both opposite-sex and same-sex couples. Dissolution rates for same-sex civil partnerships were 7.4 for men and 11.2 for women per 1,000 civil partners.
Following his defection, Kruger, known for his association with the hard-right New Conservatives group, will lead a new unit within Reform focused on preparing the party for governance.
Reacting to the defection, a Labour spokesperson criticized Farage for aligning himself with former Conservative members defecting to Reform, asserting that it does not change the lack of a concrete plan for Britain.
Kruger joins a list of former Tory MPs, including Nadine Dorries, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, and Sir Jake Berry, who have transitioned to Farage’s political circle.