April Fools' Day 2016: Nigel Farage alarms Ukip supporters by 'backing campaign for Britain to remain in EU'
The Ukip leader joked that he would be supporting the campaign to keep Britain in the union
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.Nigel Farage has horrified some Ukip supporters with an April Fools’ Day joke announcing his backing for Britain to stay in the European Union.
Read our live round-up of the best and worst jokes here
“I've decided that today is the perfect time to announce that I'll be supporting the campaign to Remain in the EU,” he tweeted from his account.
While most Twitter users noted the timing of the announcement, several of Mr Farage’s supporters seemed concerned.
“What the actual f***?” replied one outraged man, with another labelling the MEP a “traitor”.
Some questioned whether the Ukip leader’s account had been hacked, presumably by some tech-savvy “remainers” ahead of the 23 June referendum.
Others were unimpressed. “You didn't need to bother with this, you are already one of the biggest fools on the planet, April or otherwise,” came one frosty remark.
“At least make it a realistic joke,” another huffed.
But many of the Ukip leader's fans enjoyed the joke, crowning him "lord of bants" and praising the "best April fools of all time".
Mr Farage’s joke came as the UK woke up to the annual deluge of pranks and fake stories.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments