United Kingdom Independence Party (Ukip) leader Nigel Farage was embarrassed after MEP and Ukip member Godfrey Bloom gave a speech in which he decried the fact that in the middle of an economic crisis the UK was giving billions in foreign aid to “bongo bongo land”.

A bongo is a type of African drum, and the comments triggered a flurry of angry accusations of racism and colonialism against the politician, whose party was once described by Prime Minister David Cameron as made up of “fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists”. Bloom has since apologised.

Tags

Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!

It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.

Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support independent European journalism

European democracy needs independent media. Join our community!

On the same topic