Farage calls Doncaster 'broken' as Reform UK launches campaign with attack on net zero

Nigel Farage opened Reform UK's general election campaign in Doncaster on 1st October with a stark assessment of the town, calling it 'broken' while using the platform to attack net zero policies, solar farms, and what he described as an overdiagnosis of mental health conditions among young people.

The event at Doncaster Racecourse marked the launch of the party's '100 Days to Save Britain' tour, setting out priorities for the first three months of a potential Reform UK government. The choice of location was strategic, with the party targeting Labour-held seats in South Yorkshire as part of its electoral push.

What did Farage say about industrial policy and energy costs?

Speaking to journalists before the main event, Farage directly challenged the reindustrialisation agenda promoted by regional leaders Andy Burnham and John Healey. His central argument was economic: British industry cannot compete when energy prices are dramatically higher than those in competitor nations.

'You cannot reindustrialise when your industrial energy price this week is 8.5 times that of America, and 12 times that of China. I'm going to argue strongly that net zero has really hurt places like Doncaster.'

This framing positions the climate transition as an economic liability for post-industrial towns, a message the party is likely to repeat across the campaign trail.

Why did Farage call solar farms 'a complete abomination'?

When questioned by the Local Democracy Reporter Scheme about the proposed Whitestone Solar Farm, which would span land across Doncaster and Rotherham, Farage was unequivocal in his opposition. He described solar farms as 'a complete abomination', echoing concerns raised earlier that day by Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice, who had visited the site and met with local residents.

Tice called the plans 'absolutely catastrophic', adding a historical dimension to the opposition:

'King Harold, 1,000 years ago, literally rode right through the middle of Whitestone Solar Park, on his way down to Hastings, after the battle. Solar farms are ghastly, especially when they're on good agricultural land.'

The comments reflect a broader Reform UK position that prioritises agricultural land preservation and domestic food security over renewable energy expansion.

What is Reform UK's position on Doncaster Sheffield Airport?

On the contentious question of reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Farage admitted he had not been fully briefed. Tice, however, confirmed the party's stance remained consistent: supportive in principle, but cautious about the financial arrangements.

'We've always been supportive of it, but not unreasonably. We want it to be properly governed, properly managed, and not to waste money. We've been critical of the terms of the lease that was agreed.'

Tice, who described himself as 'a real estate guy', confirmed that purchasing the airport outright rather than leasing the land remained the party's preferred approach, citing concerns about the existing lease terms.

How does Farage propose to revive struggling high streets?

Addressing the decline of Doncaster's high street, Farage argued that the solution lies in residential density rather than retail policy. He suggested that town centres must be reconceived as places where people live, not just shop.

'The high street faces all sorts of challenges, online shopping, Meadowhall, and all the different ways that people do things. The only way to reinvigorate high streets is to make town centres and city centres places where people start to live again. We need to rethink the whole model of what a town and city centre is.'

His vision involves a return to mixed-use urban areas where corner shops, butchers, and bakers emerge organically from residential populations.

What did Farage say about welfare and disability benefits?

Farage also used the Doncaster platform to outline his views on welfare reform, specifically targeting disability benefits and mental health diagnoses among young people. He expressed concern about what he called a 'victim mentality' being instilled in younger generations.

'I completely believe that from 15 years onwards, there is a massive overdiagnosis of ADHD and many other things, and I think we're throwing young people on a scrap heap. I think it's an absolute disaster.'

While acknowledging that removing existing support would face opposition, Farage argued it was necessary, while insisting the party would maintain safety nets for those with genuine needs:

'We are not, for one minute, advocating taking away proper safety nets for those that are genuinely disabled or genuinely have real problems. But, you can't tell me, a thousand people a day going on the disability register is sustainable, it's not. It's also completely unaffordable.'

How did Farage respond to Reform UK's internal difficulties in Doncaster?

Asked about Reform councillors who had resigned or had the whip removed from Doncaster council, Farage sought to downplay the significance of the internal turbulence, pointing to successes elsewhere in the region.

'It happens in every party. I'd rather it hadn't happened. I'm not thrilled about it. But then, just down the road, I look at Greater Lincolnshire. I look at Lincolnshire County Council. I think we're doing a very good job.'

What does this mean for the general election campaign?

The Doncaster launch signals Reform UK's intention to compete aggressively in Labour-held northern constituencies, with a message built around energy costs, opposition to net zero infrastructure, and welfare reform. The party's focus on regional aviation and high street regeneration suggests an attempt to position itself as the champion of towns left behind by national economic policy.

Whether these messages resonate with voters in Doncaster and similar towns will be a key test of Reform UK's broader electoral strategy in the months ahead.