Lord Heseltine has drawn parallels between Reform and the fascist movements of the 1930s, while also criticizing the Conservative Party’s stance on asylum seekers. The former Deputy PM, a prominent figure during Margaret Thatcher’s tenure, expressed disapproval of what he called “dishonest” attacks on migrants and condemned Kemi Badenoch’s intentions to reverse climate legislation.
Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester, Heseltine cautioned against the rise of far-right groups in Europe and the US, singling out Nigel Farage’s party. He argued that false portrayals of asylum seekers fuel prejudice within communities.
Heseltine further lambasted Badenoch’s proposal to dismantle the Climate Change Act, labeling it as an “unforgivable irresponsibility.” He warned about the resurfacing of right-wing extremism akin to the 1930s, naming prominent figures across Europe and highlighting the concerning rhetoric around immigration issues.
In a veiled critique aimed at certain senior Tories, Heseltine emphasized that the majority of asylum seekers seek refuge from persecution and strife, not to commit crimes as falsely suggested. He urged for a rejection of populist extremism and stressed the importance of combating climate change, citing Thatcher’s early warnings and the visible impact of environmental crises today.
The audience responded with applause as Heseltine emphasized the need to distance from Nigel Farage’s ideology and criticized any potential alliance with President Trump. He concluded by underlining the imperative role of Conservatives in addressing the global threat posed by climate change, cautioning against reversing progress made in combating the crisis.