Labour deputy calls Farage a threat to democracy, urges misinformation clampdown
8 reported
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, has stated that Reform UK is destabilising British democracy by spreading divisive material amplified by bots and troll farms, and called for tighter laws on social media giants to tackle misinformation. She argued that Nigel Farage and his party pose a threat to democracy, citing multimillion-pound donations that have bolstered Reform’s election war chest and online campaigns. A Reform spokesperson called Powell’s claims “completely untrue” and labelled her a “conspiracy theorist desperately trying to distract from a failing Labour government.” Powell made her comments in an article for Babelfish and an interview with comedian Matt Forde, as MPs push for tighter regulation of misinformation in the forthcoming representation of the people bill. Technology secretary Liz Kendall said the government was considering doing more to halt misinformation at times of public crisis, such as riots or unrest. Powell is calling for more decisive action, describing the lack of online regulation as a “fundamental threat to our democracy.”
What’s reported
Lucy Powell said Reform UK is destabilising British democracy by spreading divisive material amplified by bots and troll farms.
She called for tighter laws on social media giants to tackle misinformation.
Powell argued Nigel Farage and his party pose a threat to democracy.
A Reform spokesperson said Powell’s claims were “completely untrue” and called her a “conspiracy theorist.”
Powell made her comments in an article for Babelfish and an interview with Matt Forde.
The government’s new elections bill will bring in votes at 16, a ban on cryptocurrency donations, and a cap on overseas donations.
Liz Kendall said the government was considering doing more to halt misinformation at times of public crisis.
Azzurra Moores of Demos said one in three voters in the most recent Scottish election reported seeing a deepfake during the campaign.
Key figures
Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
Liz Kendall, technology secretary
Azzurra Moores, associate director at Demos
Matt Forde, comedian
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor
Sources: The Guardian
