​Anti-EU MEP backs down in Hope Not Hate battle

An anti-racism group has won a “big victory” over former Ukip chief Nigel Farage.

The anti-EU campaigner had previously called Hope Not Hate a “violent and undemocratic” organisation, leading to the group, which has a charitable arm, launching a libel action.

Farage made the claim on his LBC radio show on 20 December last year following a Twitter exchange with Brendan Cox, the widowed husband of Jo Cox MP, who was murdered by a fascist terrorist.

The right wing MEP said: “Yes, 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 very undemocratic means.”

This led to the charity demanding £100,000 and an apology for the slur – and this week Farage backtracked, withdrawing his statement.

In a statement filed in the High Court, Farage said: “Having now considered the position further I am happy to acknowledge that Hope not Hate does not tolerate or pursue violent or undemocratic behaviour.”

Farage has also agreed that he will not repeat the allegation or encourage anyone else to do so in his name.

Nick Lowles, chief executive of Hope not Hate, said: “I cannot understate how big a victory this was for us. Hope not Hate is an avowedly peaceful organisation and Farage’s false claims were deeply damaging to the vital work we do bringing communities together across cultural and religious divides.”

However, despite his withdrawal, Farage remained defiant.

He stated: “Their [Hope Not Hate’s] statement is thoroughly disingenuous. This is a case Hope Not Hate should never have brought and which has been a complete waste of their donors’ money.

“Despite them demanding up to £100,000 in damages I have not paid them a penny; they demanded an apology that I have not given.”