Nigel Farage is facing criticism for his remarks suggesting that heterosexual couples are more likely to maintain stable relationships.
The leader of Reform UK was questioned about statements made by MP Danny Kruger, who recently joined his party after leaving the Conservative Party.
Kruger, the son of Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith, expressed his belief at a right-wing conference in 2023 that marriages between men and women are fundamental for a secure and prosperous society.
When asked about his views on Kruger’s statements within the Reform party, Nigel Farage, who has been married twice, emphasized the importance of stable parental figures in a child’s life, stating that relationships between men and women tend to be more enduring.
Labour MP Nadia Whittome condemned Farage’s comments as “vile homophobia,” expressing concerns that Farage aims to reignite contentious discussions on gay marriage and adoption to incite division and hatred.
Stonewall, a LGBTQ+ rights organization, emphasized the diversity of modern families and stressed the significance of providing children with a loving and supportive environment for their well-being and development.
Statistics from the Office for National Statistics in 2023 show that divorce rates among married individuals were slightly higher for men than women, including both opposite and same-sex couples. Dissolution rates for same-sex civil partnerships were also noted.
Following Kruger’s defection to Reform, a spokesperson for the Labour Party criticized the move, asserting that Farage’s recruitment of former Tories does not change the perception of his lack of a coherent plan for the country.
Kruger, known for his role in the hard-right New Conservatives group, will lead a new unit to prepare Reform for potential governance.
Farage’s team has welcomed former Tory MPs, including Nadine Dorries, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, and Sir Jake Berry, aligning them with his political agenda.
In response to the backlash, Farage’s spokesperson referenced a study from the National Library of Medicine highlighting the crucial roles of both mothers and fathers in childhood development.