Alastair Campbell delivered a masterclass in takedowns on BBC Question Time, locking horns with Nigel Farage in a fiery debate over Brexit. The exchange left the audience buzzing and Farage, for once, without a snappy comeback.
Campbell Calls Out Brexit’s Damage
The topic came up during a discussion about Keir Starmer’s recent speech, where Campbell took the opportunity to call out the elephant in the room. “Farage says immigration is the big bursting issue,” Campbell began, before adding, “I was disappointed Keir didn’t mention Brexit because Brexit has done so much damage to this country.”
Cue the predictable retort from Farage: “Oh dear! You are the worst loser in history. It was eight years ago, move on. We’re independent, we’re free.”
“The Worst Winner”
Campbell wasn’t having it. “You’re the worst winner because you’ve never taken responsibility for what you have won,” he fired back, hitting Farage where it hurts.
He didn’t stop there: “You exploit any problem for your own political ends. Brexit was fundamentally damaging to this country. That’s your legacy. And even you know it’s hurt us—it’s made us poorer, weaker, and hit our standing in the world.”
Farage Tries to Shift Blame
In typical fashion, Farage shrugged off responsibility, blaming the Tory “mob” for Brexit’s chaos. “The war is over,” he declared, trying to close the debate.
But Campbell had the last word, delivering a stinging rebuke: “I think you’ll find, the young people in this country know you’ve taken their future away from them—and they will get it back.”
The Takeaway
The debate showcased Campbell’s sharp tongue and Farage’s ability to stick to his guns, no matter how much they’re misfiring. While Farage may think “the war is over,” Campbell made it clear that for many, the wounds of Brexit are far from healed.
Question Time may not solve Brexit’s problems, but it certainly makes for compelling viewing when these two clash.
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