Southport attacks 'one of biggest ever cover ups in our lives' claims MP Nigel Farage

A failure to declare the Southport stabbings a terror incident is the "one of the biggest ever cover ups" in the UK, an MP has claimed.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage made the claim in a video interview with ex Mumford and Sons band member YouTube podcaster Winston Marshall.

Thousands of people took part in demonstrations, many of which turned into shocking acts of violence and rioting, in response to the mass stabbings at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop for youngsters in Southport on July 29.

Three children were killed, and ten others, eight of whom were children, were injured.

It sparked major rioting in the town and hostility towards asylum seekers that spread to other areas after claims were made on social media about the suspect, who was born in Cardiff to parents from Rwanda, being a "Channel migrant."

Axel Rudakubana, 18, who was 17 at the time of the attacks has been charged with the murders of Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven and with ten counts of attempted murder plus possession of a knife.

The murders were not declared a terrorist incident by the police or Labour Government.

However, last month Rudakubana returned to Westminster Magistrates' Court where further related charges were added, including one under the Terrorism Act.

He was charged with production of ricin, a deadly poison, and possession of information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing to commit an act of terrorism.

However, the murders have still not been declared a terror incident.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said at a news briefing that she recognised that "these new charges may lead to speculation".

But for the Southport attack to be classed as terrorism, motivation would need to be established, she said.

"The matter for which Axel Rudakubana has been charged under the Terrorism Act does not require motive to be established," said Ms Kennedy.

Ms Kennedy said "my plea is to be patient" as she advised people not to engage in "rumour and speculation" and "don't believe everything you read on social media".

"We would strongly advise caution against anyone speculating as to motivation in this case. The criminal proceedings against Axel Rudakubana are live and he has a right to a fair trial," Ms Kennedy added.

But, the material and items which led to the later charges were found in the days after the murders, with no detail about them made public until October.

Mr Farage told Mr Marshall in a video published yesterday, November 17 2024: "On Southport, all I can say to you right now, is I know a hell of a lot more than the British public know, a hell of a lot more... I've been completely silenced.

"I dared, the day after Southport, to do a video to say 'can we please know who this man is? Was he known to the authorities? Why do I feel we are not being told the truth?'

"The level of demonization I came under for that from both front benches was astonishing. From media commentators - a demonization on a level that I had never even experienced. 

Now I'm told by the speaker of the House of Commons I can't ask questions about it in the House of Commons, Parliamentary privilege is out of the window...  even rumours today that the court case, which is due in January, every effort is being made to defer it - right yeah this is what is going on. 

We are witnessing one of the biggest cover ups we've ever seen in our lives and I won't say any more than that.

I genuinely would never wish to be in contempt of court...so I won't say any more than that but I will be proved right... they are still telling us it is a non terrorosm offence do you believe that?"

"When the truth comes out about this his (Sir Keir Starmer's) reputation as Prime Minister will take a huge dent."

On Wednesday, November 13, Rudakubana, of Lancashire, appeared via videolink from HMP Belmarsh for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Liverpool Crown Court but he was not asked to enter any pleas to the 16 charges he faces.

Mr Justice Julian Goose Mr Rudakubana ordered a further preparatory hearing on 12 December ahead of the trial listed to take place on 20 January, which is estimated to last four to six weeks.

Mr Rudakubana was sitting with a single prison officer behind him and holding his grey sweatshirt over his face with his left hand.

He did not speak as he was twice asked by the judge to identify himself.