The widower of Jo Cox became embroiled in a war of words with Nigel Farage after he criticised the Ukip politician for saying that the Berlin Christmas market attack in which 12 people died would reflect Angela Merkel’s “legacy”.
Brendan Cox accused Farage in a tweet of “blaming politicians for the actions of extremists”, adding: “That’s a slippery slope Nigel” – prompting the Ukip leader to retaliate by accusing Cox of supporting extremism too.
Farage had tweeted about the Berlin attack, in which a truck ploughed into a crowd on Monday, referring to the German chancellor when saying: “Terrible news from Berlin but no surprise. Events like these will be the Merkel legacy.”
After Cox responded, Farage accused him of supporting extremism by backing Hope Not Hate, an anti-extremist charity, which is supported by the foundation set up in the name of the murdered Labour MP. Speaking on LBC radio, Farage alleged Hope Not Hate was itself an extreme group.
Asked about the Twitter exchange with Cox, Farage said: “Well, of course, he would know more about extremists than me, Mr Cox. He backs organisations like Hope Not Hate, who masquerade as being lovely and peaceful, but actually pursue violent and undemocratic means.”
Farage added: “And I’m sorry Mr Cox, but it is time people started to take responsibility for what’s happened. Mrs Merkel has directly caused a whole number of social and terrorist problems in Germany. It’s about time we confronted that truth.”
Farage’s comments brought immediate condemnation from Labour MPs. “Beggars belief. A new low for Farage,” tweeted Tracy Brabin, who won the Batley and Spen seat for Labour after Cox’s murder by a rightwing terrorist in June.
When the LBC host, Nick Ferrari, said Cox knew the consequences of extremism, Farage replied: “Yes, it’s a terrible thing what happened, with the murder of his wife. But he continues to be active in the political arena and as I say, given some of the organisations that he supports, I can’t just stand here and say, well, I’m not going to respond.”
The Jo Cox Foundation supports the Royal Voluntary Service and the Syrian volunteer group the White Helmets, as well as Hope Not Hate, which said it was considering legal action in response to Farage’s comments.
“We are aware of a serious and potentially libellous statement made about Hope Not Hate by Nigel Farage on LBC radio this morning,” the group said in a statement. “We have no idea on what Mr Farage bases his outrageous comments. Hope Not Hate has a proud history of campaigning against extremism and hatred.
“We will not be making any further comment until we have had the opportunity to consult with our lawyers.”
Hope Not Hate grew out of the organisation Searchlight, which sought to highlight the activities of fascist and far-right groups. While it mainly focuses on community politics, Farage has previously accused people associated with it of disrupting his rallies.
Asked how Merkel could be responsible for a truck potentially being hijacked in Poland, Farage said: “Well, she supports Schengen as well, doesn’t she?”
He added: “There’s the point. These leaders of Europe support Schengen. They support the total free movement of people without borders. And the free movement of people doesn’t just mean the free movement of good people. It means the free movement of bad people, as well.”
Other Labour MPs who hit out at Farage included David Lammy, who tweeted: "Insulting the widower of a woman murdered by terrorists. A period of silence on your part would be welcome Nigel."
https://www.theguardian.com/politic...x-widower-brendan-cox-of-supporting-extremism
