‘Hate is not Welcome Here’ and ‘Farage is Trump’s Puppet’ were on the signs of anti-racism activists gathered outside Robin Hill on Monday afternoon in protest at Nigel Farage’s visit to the Isle of Wight.
Reform UK was called “dangerous, divisive and racist” at the demonstration, organised by the Island branch of national campaign group Stand up to Racism hours before the party’s rally at GG’s Bar and Restaurant near Newport.
The Reform UK rally was held in advance of Isle of Wight Council elections on 7th May 2026.
Farage’s response to the protesters
When asked about the protesters before addressing attendees, Mr Farage described them as the “open borders mob” and claimed they are “old-fashioned Trotskyites”.
The protest took place outside Robin Hill where Reform supporters were boarding coaches headed to the rally.
Magill: Even right-wing people see them as racist
Sophus Magill (pictured above), the 25-year old leader of Isle of Wight Stand Up to Racism and a Wootton Bridge parish councillor, said,
“Reform has been spreading very divisive, far right-wing politics, even right-wing people see them as racist.
“Nigel is spreading xenophobic rhetoric about immigrants and migrants and demonising minorities to stoke up a culture of fear.
“We can see on the statistics, hate crime’s been on the rise and Farage and Reform are part of that culture of hate and division. Also distracting people from the real problems in the country by turning them against their neighbours who happen to be maybe migrants or refugees.”
Perks: Everything about it is following Trump’s policies
Another protester, Corinne Perks, 74, from Newport, said,
“I think Reform and he are very dangerous, divisive and racist. Absolutely horrified that they could possibly get in power so I will do my best to campaign to make people aware exactly what their policies are, to try persuade them otherwise.
“For instance, they want to get rid of the Equality Act, 2010, which protects people with certain protected characteristics against direct or indirect discrimination which includes women.
“Everything about it is following Trump’s policies and we know what’s happening over there.”
Mr Farage responded
“This is the open borders mob, these people do not believe in borders, they’re old-fashioned Trotskyites, they believe in one world government, they frankly represent the fringe of the fringe when it comes to mainstream public opinion in this country.
“Rather than engage in rational debate, all they do is stand up and shout.”
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
