Reform leader calls for steel, oil, and gas revival while blasting ‘declinist’ politics

Nigel Farage has called for Britain’s “reindustrialisation” and a radical shift in attitudes to reverse declining birthrates, declaring that the country must reclaim its heavy industry and energy independence. Speaking at the ARC conference in London, he praised “Judeo-Christian culture” as the foundation of western civilisation and dismissed the Conservative Party as no longer being on the right.

‘Let’s Produce It Ourselves’

Farage told the global gathering of right-wing thinkers that Britain had shut down its steel industry under the illusion of reducing CO₂ emissions, only for production to shift to countries with lower environmental standards. “Let’s produce all the stuff we need in this country,” he urged, vowing to bring back domestic steel, oil, and gas.

Energy independence, he argued, was crucial: “If we’re going to use oil and gas, we may as well produce them ourselves.” His comments were a direct attack on the Conservative government’s net zero policies, which he blamed for economic stagnation.

A ‘180-Degree Shift’ on Birthrates

Interviewed on stage by Canadian commentator Jordan Peterson, Farage addressed Britain’s declining birthrate with characteristic bluntness. “Of course, we need higher birthrates, but we’re not going to get them until we restore optimism,” he said, before mocking Rachel Reeves for spreading “miserable” economic policies.

Acknowledging his own personal history—“I may not be the best advocate for monogamous heterosexuality or stable marriage, having been divorced twice”—Farage still insisted Britain needed to restore traditional values. “We need a complete 180 shift in attitudes,” he declared.

Tory Failures and Mass Immigration

Farage attacked the Conservatives’ record, lambasting “14 years of the highest tax burden since 1947” and accusing them of enabling mass legal and illegal immigration. He blamed their failure to control small boat crossings on their refusal to leave the European Convention on Human Rights.

“The right is not split in this country,” he insisted. “The Conservative Party is not on the right in any measurable way.”

Western Civilisation ‘at a Tipping Point’

The ARC event, held at London’s ExCeL centre, opened with apocalyptic warnings about the decline of western civilisation. A dramatic video showed ruins of the Parthenon, the Colosseum, and the Great Pyramid of Giza, as speakers warned that past civilisations had collapsed after losing their guiding principles.

John Anderson, Australia’s former deputy prime minister, warned: “Western civilisation is at a tipping point.” Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch told attendees she planned to deliver “the largest renewal of policy and ideas in a generation.”

As Britain heads into an era of political uncertainty, Farage’s calls for industrial revival and cultural renewal are set to intensify—whether his vision gains traction remains to be seen.

THE TIMES

Nigel Farage has urged Britons to have more children to preserve the nation’s Judeo-Christian culture, calling for a “180-degree shift” in societal attitudes towards family life. Speaking at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference, the Reform UK leader warned of a declining birthrate and cultural shifts that, in his view, threaten British traditions.

Farage also called for Britain’s reindustrialisation, arguing that the country must produce its own steel, oil, and gas rather than relying on imports. He criticised the outsourcing of industry, stating it had weakened the economy and harmed the environment by shifting pollution abroad.

Additionally, he took aim at the UK’s climate policies, claiming that the focus on global warming had come at the expense of addressing other environmental challenges. He suggested Britain should pursue policies that balance economic growth with sustainability rather than adopting what he called “radical green agendas.”

His speech comes as Reform UK seeks to expand its influence, with Farage positioning himself as a defender of traditional values and national self-sufficiency. His remarks are expected to spark debate on family policy and economic strategy.

FINANCIAL TIMES

Nigel Farage has called for a rise in UK birth rates to safeguard Britain’s Judeo-Christian heritage, urging a “180-degree shift” in attitudes towards family life. Speaking at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship conference, the Reform UK leader warned that declining birthrates and cultural changes risk undermining national traditions.

Farage also advocated for reindustrialisation, arguing that Britain must regain control of its steel, oil, and gas industries rather than relying on imports. He criticised outsourcing and environmental policies that, in his view, prioritise global warming over economic resilience.

Positioning himself as a champion of traditional values, Farage suggested Britain must reject “radical green agendas” in favour of policies that strengthen families and national self-sufficiency. His remarks come as Reform UK aims to expand its influence, appealing to voters concerned about demographic and economic shifts.