The political landscape in the UK has been rocked by a heated exchange between Independent MP Zarah Sultana and former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, following Sultana’s controversial remarks comparing Reform UK to far-right groups such as the British National Party (BNP) and the National Front. Kwarteng, speaking on GB News, slammed the comparison as “outrageous” and accused Sultana of deliberately inciting division rather than fostering constructive political dialogue.

Sultana, the MP for Coventry South, made the comments in a social media post earlier this week, where she criticized Reform UK’s policies and leadership. She described the party as a threat to multiculturalism and accused its leaders of promoting divisive rhetoric targeting Muslims and migrants. “As someone whose family experienced the violent consequences of far-right politics, I cannot stay silent,” Sultana wrote. “Reform UK’s rhetoric and policies echo the dangerous ideologies of groups like the BNP and National Front. We must stand against this.”

Kwarteng, however, argued that Sultana’s comments were not only inaccurate but also harmful to the political process. “To compare a party that is gaining significant electoral support to extremist groups is an outrage,” he said during his GB News appearance. “This kind of rhetoric does nothing to bring people together or address the real issues facing our country. Instead, it stokes hatred and polarization.”

Reform UK, a populist party led by Nigel Farage, has seen a surge in support in recent polls, with some surveys placing their approval ratings in the mid-twenties. The party has positioned itself as a challenger to the traditional political establishment, advocating for stricter immigration controls and economic reforms. Kwarteng pointed to this growing support as evidence that Reform UK is a legitimate political force, not an extremist fringe group.

“Reform UK is engaging with voters and addressing their concerns,” Kwarteng said. “To dismiss them as far-right is not only wrong but also disrespectful to the millions of people who support their policies. We need to focus on solutions, not scapegoats.”

Sultana’s comments have also sparked a broader debate about the tone of political discourse in the UK. Critics argue that her comparison risks trivializing the genuine threat posed by far-right extremism, while others have defended her right to speak out against policies she views as harmful. The controversy has further highlighted the deep divisions within British politics, particularly on issues such as immigration and multiculturalism.

In response to Sultana’s remarks, activists have organized an anti-Reform UK rally scheduled to take place in Birmingham on March 28. The event, which is expected to draw thousands of participants, is being billed as a show of resistance against what organizers describe as “the politics of hatred and division.” Sultana has pledged to attend the rally, where she plans to reiterate her call for unity and solidarity among diverse communities.

“We’ve faced far-right extremism before, and we’ve pushed back,” Sultana said in her social media post. “We’ll do it again. This is about standing up for our values and rejecting the politics of scapegoating and division.”

Meanwhile, Reform UK has dismissed Sultana’s comments as baseless and politically motivated. A spokesperson for the party accused her of resorting to “cheap smears” to distract from her own political failures. “Reform UK is a party of the people, not the elites,” the spokesperson said. “We are focused on addressing the real issues facing this country, not engaging in divisive name-calling.”

As the debate continues to unfold, the clash between Sultana and Kwarteng underscores the challenges of navigating the increasingly polarized political environment in the UK. With Reform UK’s popularity on the rise and tensions running high, the coming weeks are likely to see further heated exchanges and public demonstrations.

For now, the focus remains on the Birmingham rally, which promises to be a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about the future of British politics. Whether it will serve as a platform for constructive dialogue or further entrench divisions remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the stakes are high, and the battle for the soul of British politics is far from over.