<\/p>\n
Reform UK has called for an official inquiry after discovering that some south London schools included teaching materials portraying the party alongside Nazi Germany and far-right ideologies, raising concerns over political bias in education.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Reform UK has demanded an official investigation following revelations that teaching materials at a group of prominent state schools in south London included highly controversial comparisons between the party and Nazi Germany. Richard Tice, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, raised serious concerns after discovering that staff at the Orion Education Group, which operates eight academies, incorporated a photograph of him alongside descriptions of \u2018extremism\u2019 that placed Reform UK near the British National Party (BNP) and Nazis on a political spectrum used in Year 10 lessons.<\/p>\n
According to the teaching materials, \u2018extremism\u2019 was defined as activities rejecting British values such as mutual respect, democracy, and tolerance. Reform UK was portrayed as a right-wing party advocating stricter immigration controls, deportation of illegal migrants, and policies promoting UK sovereignty and traditional education\u2014stances the materials linked with far-right and fascist ideologies. The accompanying lesson content warned against far-right beliefs damaging communities and increasing hate crimes while highlighting concerns about media influence, citing certain tabloids for inflammatory coverage about immigration. Students were advised to rely on mainstream outlets like the BBC and The Guardian rather than tabloids or random online sources.<\/p>\n
Mr Tice, who learned of the slide presentations from parents, has written to Simon Garrill, CEO of Orion Education, demanding a full explanation and a formal apology. He warned that failing this, he would escalate the issue to the Charity Commission, emphasising that the academy trusts are bound by rules requiring political neutrality and balance. Mr Tice described the teaching materials as \u2018factually inaccurate,\u2019 \u2018grossly offensive,\u2019 and defamatory, asserting they breached education guidelines and the professional responsibility owed to pupils.<\/p>\n
An Orion spokeswoman confirmed receipt of Mr Tice\u2019s letter and said the group is investigating the concerns raised. The Orion Education Group comprises five primary and three secondary schools in south London.<\/p>\n
This controversy around Reform UK occurs amid ongoing tensions between the party and various educational and political groups. The National Education Union (NEU) labeled Reform UK as \u2018racist and far-right,\u2019 citing its anti-immigration policies and campaigning against migrants. NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede criticised party leader Nigel Farage, equating him to a \u2018pound shop Trump\u2019 and accusing him of dog whistle politics designed to stir division.<\/p>\n
Richard Tice has publicly condemned extremist and offensive behaviour even within his own party ranks. In February 2024, he took decisive action by dismissing a candidate live on air for posting social media content comparing transgender individuals to Nazis and making derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ+ community, signalling Reform UK\u2019s stated commitment to serious politics and zero tolerance for such conduct.<\/p>\n
The party\u2019s contentious positioning has not only drawn criticism from unions but also from political opponents. In October 2025, Mr Tice accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer of inciting violence against Reform UK supporters by labelling the party\u2019s immigration plans as racist. He claimed such rhetoric empowered radical left groups, including Antifa, to target Reform UK campaigners, thereby threatening their safety.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Reform UK continues to push forward on divisive social issues. In mid-2025, Mr Tice called for a national debate on banning the burka, following internal party disagreements. He advocated for open discussion on sensitive cultural topics, underscoring the party\u2019s focus on traditional values and national identity.<\/p>\n
Critics, including organisations like Stand Up to Racism, consistently denounce Reform UK as a racist party that scapegoats refugees, asylum seekers, and minority communities, while undermining public services like the NHS. Such accusations contribute to the contentious climate surrounding the party in schools and public discourse.<\/p>\n
The growing politicisation of classroom materials has broader implications, especially given the recent rise in popularity of Reform UK in opinion polls. The framing of political parties and beliefs in educational settings demands careful scrutiny to ensure accuracy, professionalism, and neutrality. The investigation into Orion Education\u2019s teaching resources will likely set an important precedent for how schools balance political education and prevent indoctrination or defamation.<\/p>\n