Business Secretary Peter Kyle has delivered a stark warning about the dangers of slow economic growth, suggesting it creates fertile ground for far-right politics and drawing direct comparisons between Nigel Farage and controversial historical figure Enoch Powell.
Economic Growth as Foundation for Democratic Trust
Speaking at the Co-operative party conference, Kyle emphasised that without securing higher, sustained economic growth, rebuilding trust in democracy becomes exceptionally challenging. The minister argued that economic stability is fundamental to reconnecting citizens with their political institutions.
"The truth is that without securing higher, sustained economic growth, reconnecting people and politics, generating trust in the potential of democracy and importance of good government becomes almost impossible," Kyle told conference attendees.
Farage as Modern Powell Figure
In his most controversial remarks, Kyle described Nigel Farage as "today's incarnation of the politics of Enoch Powell", referencing the Conservative shadow minister whose 1968 "rivers of blood" speech inflamed racial tensions across Britain.
Kyle didn't mince words when characterising Reform UK, labelling the party as "far right" and criticising what he called their "dogma of disruption, division and despair". He suggested that economic stagnation directly enables such political movements to gain traction.
"Lack of economic growth is the cause. Nigel Farage, today's incarnation of the politics of Enoch Powell, is the effect," Kyle stated unequivocally.
Recent Controversies Surrounding Reform UK
The minister's comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Reform UK's positions and appointments. The party recently faced accusations of embracing racism after selecting Matthew Goodwin to lead its new student organisation.
Goodwin, now a hard-right activist and prominent Reform supporter, has previously argued that UK-born people from minority ethnic backgrounds aren't necessarily British. This appointment has raised concerns about the party's direction and values.
This isn't the first time Kyle has clashed with Farage publicly. Earlier this year, the business secretary claimed that opponents of the government's Online Safety Act, including Farage, were siding with potential abusers, suggesting people like Jimmy Savile would exploit the internet to target children if still alive.
Kyle's conference speech represents a significant escalation in the political debate surrounding economic policy and its relationship with democratic stability and extremist political movements in contemporary Britain.
