Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nigel Farage refuses to join 'Bring Back Clarkson' campaign

The Ukip leader has decided not to jump on the bandwagon - unlike David Cameron, who heartily endorsed the controversial presenter

Helen Nianias
Friday 13 March 2015 11:49 GMT
Comments
Farage has been condemned after he called for much of the legislation banning racial discrimination at work to be scrapped
Farage has been condemned after he called for much of the legislation banning racial discrimination at work to be scrapped (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jeremy Clarkson has not got a supporter in Nigel Farage.

The Top Gear presenter - allegedly suspended over a 'fracas' with a producer for not being allowed to have steak - has earned the support of hundred of thousand of people on a Change.org petition. However, Farage will not be adding his signature any time soon.

"So I think people signing up online saying Clarkson should be re-employed are doing so really without any knowledge of what went on or whether there’s any history there, so as far as I’m concerned the jury’s out, but I’m not going to worry too much for Jeremy Clarkson. If he falls out with the BBC I’m sure other broadcasters will have him."

David Cameronbacking Clarkson

"I don't know exactly what happened. He is a constituent of mine, he is a friend of mine, he is a huge talent,” Mr Cameron told BBC Midlands Today.

"I see that he said he regrets some of what happened. All I would say - because he is a talent and he does amuse and entertain so many people, including my children who'll be heartbroken if Top Gear is taken off air - I hope this can be sorted out because it is a great programme and he is a great talent."

Farage has been in "hot water" himself this week, after saying that laws preventing racial discrimination "would probably have been valid" 40 years ago, but no longer were.

He added that he would scrap "much of" current legislation.

Labour called the remarks "shocking", but Farage insists his views have been misrepresented.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in