On August 17, 2025, the already charged political atmosphere in the United Kingdom became even more turbulent, as Labour launched a pointed attack ad accusing Reform UK leader Nigel Farage of supporting the controversial social media influencer Andrew Tate. The move comes at a time when Farage’s party is enjoying a surge in popularity, and follows a string of increasingly heated exchanges between the main political factions over issues of online safety, misogyny, and criminal justice.
The Labour ad, which began circulating on social media Sunday, zeroes in on remarks Farage made during an appearance on the ‘Strike It Big’ podcast last year. In the episode, Farage appeared alongside three male influencers in their twenties and spoke candidly about the challenges facing young men today. He argued that masculinity is being unfairly maligned, and referenced Tate as a figure who resonated with many in that demographic.
"You three guys, you are all 25, you are all kind of being told you can’t be blokes, you can’t do laddish, fun, bloke things… that masculinity is something we should look down upon, something we should frown upon. It’s like the men are becoming feminine and the women are becoming masculine and it’s a bit difficult to tell these days who’s what," Farage said, according to The Guardian. He continued, "And Tate fed into that by saying, ‘Hang on, what’s wrong with being a bloke? What’s wrong in male culture? What’s wrong in male humour?’ He fed into those things. His was a campaign of raising awareness. His was a campaign of giving people, perhaps, a bit of confidence at school or whatever it was to speak up."
Labour’s ad juxtaposes these comments with headlines highlighting Tate’s own controversial history. One Guardian headline reads: "Nigel Farage says Andrew Tate is ‘an important voice’ for men." Another, from BBC, starkly states: "Andrew Tate says women should ‘bear responsibility’ for being sexually assaulted." The ad’s timing is significant, as it comes mere months after Andrew Tate was charged by the Crown Prosecution Service in May 2025 with 11 alleged offences, including rape, actual bodily harm, and human trafficking. Tate has denied any wrongdoing, but his reputation as a self-described "misogynist" and "sexist" has made him a lightning rod for criticism.
This isn’t the first time Farage has found himself at the center of controversy over his association with Tate. Last year, he admitted to amplifying false claims made by Tate in the aftermath of the Southport murders, a move that further fueled criticism from political opponents.
Labour’s offensive didn’t stop at Farage’s podcast comments. On the same day, they released a separate ad targeting his opposition to the Online Safety Act. The party accused Farage of wanting to "make it easier to share revenge porn online," a charge designed to paint the Reform UK leader as out of step with efforts to protect women and girls from online harm.
The rhetoric has escalated in recent weeks. In July 2025, Peter Kyle, the science and technology secretary, stoked outrage by comparing Farage to Jimmy Savile, the notorious sex offender. The comparison, while extreme, underscored the depth of feeling within Labour ranks about what they perceive as Farage’s disregard for women’s safety in the digital age.
Labour chair Ellie Reeves was unsparing in her criticism. "Nigel Farage’s promise to tear up protections against online radicalisation by extreme misogynistic influencers is a dangerous sign of where Reform want to take Britain. It shows nothing but neglect for the next generation and will only serve to increase violence against women and girls," Reeves said in a statement. She added, "Young men are increasingly vulnerable to being radicalised into extreme misogyny online, which leads to real-world violence against women and girls when phones are put down and laptops shut. Tech firms must be held to account for algorithms that lead boys and young men to harmful and potentially illegal content online. It’s shameful that Farage doesn’t agree."
Reform UK, however, was quick to hit back. Councillor Laila Cunningham defended Farage and turned the tables on Labour, blaming them for what she described as the deteriorating safety of women. "Women are more unsafe than ever before thanks to Labour. Starmer has released thousands of criminals back on to the streets early with no regard for women’s safety," she said. Cunningham issued a challenge to Labour MP Jess Phillips to debate her on women’s safety, accusing Phillips of ignoring the grooming gangs scandal and misleading voters. "Reform will always prioritise prosecuting abuse but will never let women’s safety be hijacked to justify censorship. You don’t protect women by silencing speech. You protect them by securing borders, enforcing the law, and locking up actual criminals, and that is exactly what a Reform government would do."
Meanwhile, Andrew Tate’s own legal and financial troubles continue to mount. On August 17, 2025, Devon and Cornwall Police announced the seizure of £180,000 from Tate, money he had used as a deposit on a special edition Aston Martin Valhalla supercar in July 2021. The car, with a price tag of £850,000, famously appeared in the James Bond film No Time to Die. According to police, the seized funds originated from tax evasion and money laundering, adding to the £2.7 million in criminal assets confiscated from Tate and his brother Tristan in December 2024.
Authorities secured account freezing and forfeiture orders at Westminster Magistrates' Court earlier this month, and notably, the Tate brothers did not oppose the orders. Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft explained the significance of the latest development: "This latest judgement follows on from our applications made against the Tate brothers which resulted in a successful ruling in December 2024 and the forfeiture of nearly £2.7 million of criminal funds. From the outset we aimed to demonstrate that Andrew and Tristan Tate evaded their tax obligations and laundered money. People in Devon and Cornwall will benefit from the money seized and it will be reinvested to help prevent crime, aid victims and vulnerable people, and to boost good causes."
Police noted that the deposit money for the luxury car originated from a cryptocurrency account, with no tax or VAT ever paid. Under the terms of the seizure, half of the funds will go to good causes in the region, while the other half will be transferred to the treasury.
The saga of Andrew Tate, his influence on young men, and his entanglement with British political discourse is emblematic of a broader cultural struggle. The debate over online safety, free speech, and the responsibilities of public figures continues to divide opinion. As accusations fly and legal proceedings unfold, the stakes remain high—not just for the politicians and influencers at the center of the storm, but for the wider public grappling with questions of safety, justice, and the meaning of masculinity in modern Britain.
