Defiant new MP Farage snubs ‘diversity training’
NIGEL Farage has caused a stir in Westminster by not taking a lesson on how to behave in Parliament.
The Reform UK leader claimed the seminar is part of the “poisonous” diversity, equity and inclusion “agenda” that he disagrees with.
Mr Farage has not sat down to learn a “behaviour code” which sets out the standards expected of those at Westminster. He told the Sunday Express: “It is true that I have not been in a rush to complete my parliamentary diversity training since being elected.
“I am not in favour of the poisonous DEI agenda that has been forced on to society by our woke institutions.”
A senior Labour MP, who wished to remain anonymous, hit back: “Clearly he has no understanding of what this training is whatsoever.
“It’s there to help him – it’s not there to further some woke cause he’s got in his head. These courses are laid on for his benefit.”
More than nine in 10 MPS have done previous versions of the course.
The code urges politicians not to abuse “power, influence or authority” and to “think about how your behaviour affects others and strive to understand their perspective”.
It also warns that “bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct are not tolerated”.
The veteran Brexiteer will come under intense fire if he still refuses comply when Parliament returns after the summer break.
The code is part of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme, and the House of Lords has made the training a “mandatory requirement for new members”, with a list of peers who have completed it published online.
But Commons sources denied new MPS are required to undergo inclusion and diversity training.
It comes after a poll suggested Mr Farage has more support among the public to be the next Tory leader than the party’s own hopefuls.
Ipsos said he received 28 per cent of the vote, far ahead of James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat and Suella Braverman (all 16 per cent) and way in front of Kemi Badenoch and Priti Patel (both on 15 per cent).