Nigel Farage's recent criticism of Turkish barber shops has stirred up significant controversy, with a government minister labeling his remarks as a form of dog-whistle racism that fails to address the underlying issues facing struggling high streets across the nation. Miatta Fahnbulleh, who serves as the Minister for Devolution, Faith, and Communities, pointed out that Farage, the leader of Reform UK, is using what she refers to as the "politics of grievance," capitalizing on the decline of local retail areas without offering any real solutions.
Fahnbulleh expressed a shared sentiment among many that the previous government's performance over the last 15 years has been lacking. However, she criticized Reform UK for not presenting viable answers to these problems. Instead, she argues that they resort to divisive tactics, scapegoating individuals from diverse backgrounds rather than confronting the root causes of economic decline.
When asked if she believed Farage’s focus on Turkish barbers carried racist implications, she affirmed, stating, "Yes, I do." She emphasized that the core issues affecting high streets have nothing to do with the ethnicity of business owners but are rather linked to years of neglect and economic downturn.
Reform UK has made the deterioration of town centers a pivotal point in their strategy as they seek to gain political traction, promising to declare a "national high street emergency" and proposing measures to shut down illegal businesses. This comes as Farage gears up for crucial local elections scheduled for May.
Interestingly, polls indicate that Reform UK has gained support primarily in English towns where shop closures and prolonged vacancies are most prevalent. The party has specifically targeted the rise of barber shops, alleging that many operate as fronts for criminal activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking. In a Facebook video last year, Farage claimed that these Turkish barber shops were popping up everywhere, asserting that they only accept cash payments and are not genuinely providing haircuts, even going so far as to mockingly suggest they may have luxury cars parked nearby.
According to data from the Local Data Company, the number of barber shops has significantly increased over the past decade, now standing at 3.1 per 10,000 people, even as other types of retail establishments face closures.
In a recent interview, as analysis from The Guardian highlighted the shifting dynamics of British high streets, Fahnbulleh acknowledged that many voters are expressing frustration over the visibility of boarded-up shops. "I understand their concerns," she stated. "They have witnessed 15 years of insufficient action, seeing shops close and a lack of investment in their neighborhoods, all while being promised improvements that never materialized."
Fahnbulleh pointed to the government's "levelling up" agenda, noting that each failure to deliver has contributed to a growing belief that politics cannot improve everyday life. "We must change this perception; people are rightly impatient for change," she added.
She criticized Reform UK for lacking coherent policy proposals, referencing what she described as the party’s disorganized management of local councils they took control of last year. "They do not demonstrate a clear vision or effectively govern," she remarked.
As the urgency for solutions intensifies, Fahnbulleh asserted that Labour is committed to addressing these challenges. The party has introduced a £5 billion initiative known as the "pride in place" strategy, which allocates funds for 250 regeneration projects over the next decade. This plan includes a community right-to-buy scheme empowering residents to purchase properties when they become available, along with licensing powers for councils to limit the proliferation of gambling establishments in their areas.
Additionally, the government has pledged to combat high street crime and clamp down on illicit businesses through operations targeting car washes, nail salons, and barber shops.
However, leaders in the retail and hospitality sectors argue that Labour's policies have exacerbated the difficulties facing high streets, especially due to tax hikes and increases in the minimum wage as outlined in Rachel Reeves’s recent budget proposal.
Despite criticisms, Fahnbulleh denied that Labour has misjudged the pressures on high streets, even as the government recently reconsidered a controversial increase in business rates for pubs following public outcry. "It’s appropriate for the government to re-evaluate its decisions," she said, emphasizing that raising taxes to fund public services is a necessary choice made by the Chancellor. "We need to ensure we contribute to stimulating the economy while also investing in public services that people rely on."
Reform UK has been contacted for their comments on this matter.
