In a dramatic escalation of tensions within the UK’s right-wing political landscape, Rupert Lowe MP, leader of the newly formed Restore Britain party, has reported receiving a death threat following accusations from a Reform UK candidate that his party promotes “neo-Nazi” ideologies. The incident highlights deepening rifts between Reform UK and its splinter groups, raising concerns about inflammatory rhetoric and its real-world consequences. Rupert Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth and former Reform UK member, launched Restore Britain as a full political party last week, positioning it as a hardline alternative focused on immigration control and national sovereignty.
The party advocates for extreme measures, including mass deportations—Lowe has stated that “millions will have to go”—and policies like “remigration,” which have drawn support from far-right figures while attracting criticism for racial undertones. The controversy ignited when Laila Cunningham, Reform UK’s candidate for Mayor of London, appeared on GB News and labeled Restore Britain as pursuing a “kind of like neo-Nazi Aryan race.” She accused the party of implying that non-white, non-Christian individuals cannot be truly British, arguing this contradicts efforts toward integration. Shortly after, Lowe posted on X (formerly Twitter) about a “vile death threat” depicting him being shot in the neck, likening it to imagery associated with US conservative Charlie Kirk. He directly blamed Reform’s rhetoric, stating, “Labelling millions of Brits as nazis has consequences. This dangerous and foul rhetoric is putting my team and I at risk.” Lowe confirmed he is involving the police and urged Reform to “debate us on our ideas, our policies, our plan for Britain” instead of using slurs.Restore Britain issued a statement echoing these sentiments, denying the “neo-Nazi” allegations and warning that such labels endanger lives. The party’s legal team is considering action against Cunningham, with Lowe demanding a full retraction and apology. A spokesperson for Restore Britain emphasized that advocating for an immigration system serving British people is not extremist. Reform UK has declined to comment on the incident or the legal threats. However, journalist Charlie Simpson, reportedly close to Reform, claimed the “neo-Nazi” talking points originated from Reform’s headquarters.
Background and Broader Context
Restore Britain emerged from Lowe’s pressure group, claiming 60,000 members and positioning itself to the right of Reform UK. Its policies include aggressive immigration reforms, appealing to disaffected Reform supporters. However, anti-extremism groups like Hope Not Hate have criticized it as a “significant threat” to the far right, noting endorsements from figures like Katie Hopkins, Steve Laws (a racial nationalist), and Michael Wright (AKA Morgoth). The party unites civic nationalists (e.g., allies of Tommy Robinson and Ben Habib of Advance UK) with ethno nationalists, a coalition described as unstable.
Searchlight Magazine reports that overt Nazis have hailed Lowe as “our leader,” with individuals like Steve Laws and Callum Barker publicly pledging allegiance. While Lowe is not accused of Nazism himself, critics warn that his rhetoric—designed to attract racist elements from Reform’s base—risks turning Restore Britain into a “Trojan horse for Hitlerites.”
Elon Musk has amplified support for the party on X, potentially boosting its visibility.
Supporters on X have rallied behind Lowe, condemning Reform’s tactics as hypocritical and dangerous. One post called it “playing with matches in a room full of petrol,” while others accused Reform of vote-splitting fears. Critics, however, point to Restore Britain’s associations as evidence of its extremist leanings.
Potential Impact on UK PoliticsThis feud could fragment the right-wing vote, pressuring Reform UK to harden its stance to avoid being outflanked. Restore Britain’s growth might shift public discourse further right, re-racializing debates, though it risks isolation if extremists dominate. With police involved, the incident underscores how political smears can spill into threats of violence, prompting calls for de-escalation across the spectrum.
Stakeholders Magazine will continue monitoring developments in this volatile arena, where rhetoric meets reality.
