2026 Fact Checks
This page lists fact checks published in 2026, examining political claims made by public figures, political parties, and commentators. Each entry focuses on verifiable evidence, primary sources, and clear distinctions between rhetoric and policy.
Is Reform UK funded by small grassroots donations?
❌ Verdict: False
Reform UK and its supporters often portray the party as being powered by small grassroots donations from ordinary supporters. However, official donation records show that Reform UK’s funding is dominated by very large donations from a small number of wealthy individuals, including a single £9 million gift in 2025. While small donations exist, they do not make up the majority of the party’s income.
Nigel Farage says the world would be safer if Trump took over Greenland
❌ Verdict: Misleading
Nigel Farage said the world would be a “better” and “more secure” place if Donald Trump pursued US control of Greenland. However, Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, and any change in sovereignty would require consent under international law. The US already has military access to Greenland through NATO arrangements, and there is no evidence that US ownership would improve global security.
Nigel Farage inadvertently breached MPs’ rules, says watchdog
❌ Verdict: Partly true, but misleading
A parliamentary watchdog found that Nigel Farage breached MPs’ disclosure rules on 17 occasions by failing to register external payments within the required timeframe. The watchdog said the breaches were inadvertent rather than deliberate, but confirmed that intent is not relevant when determining whether the rules were broken. The late declarations related to external earnings totalling around £380,000.
Separately, Farage Exposed has examined Farage’s declared property interests as listed in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Questions have been raised with an MP about whether those declarations are complete and accurate. At the time of publication, confirmation is still awaited.
Nigel Farage speaks for the “silent majority”
❌ Verdict: Misleading
Supporters claim that Nigel Farage represents a hidden majority whose views are ignored by institutions and the media. Electoral results, polling data, and voter turnout consistently show that Farage’s support, while significant, represents a minority rather than an unexpressed majority of the electorate.
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Britain is no longer a democracy
❌ Verdict: Misleading
This claim argues that elections, courts, and institutions no longer reflect democratic rule in the UK. In practice, Britain continues to hold regular elections, maintain parliamentary sovereignty, and operate an independent judiciary. Disagreement with political or legal outcomes does not amount to the absence of democracy.
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Reform UK “won the argument on immigration”
❌ Verdict: Misleading
Supporters and commentators claim that Reform UK forced other parties to adopt its immigration stance. The evidence shows rhetorical shifts, but no clear policy adoption, legislative influence, or institutional power supporting the claim.
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Asylum seekers are housed ahead of local people
❌ Verdict: Misleading
This claim conflates asylum accommodation with social housing. Asylum seekers are housed under a separate, temporary legal duty and are excluded from council housing waiting lists unless granted refugee status, after which they are assessed under the same criteria as everyone else.
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Reform UK is replacing the Conservatives
❌ Verdict: Misleading
Despite polling attention, local election results, and having five MPs, Reform UK has not replaced the Conservative Party as a national political force. Parliamentary representation, electoral system constraints, and institutional power remain decisive.
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