Farage criticized for making racist remark about Glasgow pupils in campaign video

Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, has condemned Nigel Farage for remarks about Glasgow schoolchildren that he described as racist. In a campaign video, the Reform UK leader pointed out that almost one-third of pupils in Glasgow speak English as a second language, calling it a "cultural smashing of Glasgow." He further stated it was unjust for taxpayers that "people like this should come into Britain illegally," asserting that his party would make immigration a key focus in next year's election.

Swinney told BBC News that Farage's statements "show he promotes racist ideas," adding: "Multilingualism is not a problem in our society. It is an asset that reflects our country's diversity."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized Farage, saying he thrives on "politics of grievance" and seeks to divide communities. Starmer emphasized his pride in Scotlands inclusive and diverse communities.

Official Scottish government data, which Farage cited, confirms that the figures in his video are correct. The statistics show that 71,957 school-age children were enrolled in Glasgow last year, with 70% being native English speakers. Of the 29% with English as a second language, 19% were competent or fluent, while 81% were new to English, early learners, or developing competence.

Comparisons with other cities show Edinburgh had 76% native English speakers, with 53% of non-native speakers competent or fluent. Aberdeen also had 76% native English speakers, with 43% of non-native speakers competent or fluent. Glasgow has seen a 27% rise in children new to English from 2020 to 2024, partly due to improved data collection. Fluent English speakers in the city increased by 32% during the same period. The number of overseas pupils has decreased from 3,917 in 2012/22 to 2,527 last year, with 147 languages spoken in Glasgow schools.

A council spokesperson said, "Glasgow thrives as a city enriched by many languages and cultures, and we celebrate this diversity and the positive impact it brings to all our school communities."

Across Scotland, only 10% of schoolchildren do not have English as their first language. Of these, 41% are competent or fluent, while 59% are new to English, early learners, or developing proficiency.

Farage's video claimed that the Glasgow figures result from "housing and better facilities" for migrants and referenced arrivals by lorries or boats. Farage has also faced criticism from former classmates for alleged racist and antisemitic behavior at Dulwich College, which he denies, stating he has "never directly racially abused anybody" and did not intend his remarks to be malicious.

Farage intends to highlight immigration in next year's Holyrood election, though MSPs will not have the power to legislate on this reserved matter. Nevertheless, the topic is likely to dominate public debate, with Swinney positioning the SNP against Reform UK to capture votes, while Farage leverages controversy to draw attention to his party and reinforce his anti-establishment image.

Author: Chloe Ramirez