Sunday Telegraph editor warns Reform-Restore alliance would be disaster

The editor of the Sunday Telegraph, Alistair Heath, has published a strongly worded article warning that any alliance between Reform UK and the Restore party would be a disaster. Writing in his own newspaper, Heath accused Restore of holding positions that 'veer frequently into bigotry' and 'overstep the bounds of civilised discourse'. The piece has sparked a fierce debate among right-wing commentators and readers, with many taking issue with his characterisation of Restore and its leader, Rupert Lowe.

Heath's central argument is that the mainstream right must draw a clear line between civic nationalism, which he supports, and ethnic nationalism, which he says Restore promotes. He argued that Britishness should be defined by loyalty and love of country, not by race or ancestry. 'You can become British, you can choose to become British, and it is not about race,' he said. He contrasted this with what he described as Restore's 'ethnic definition of Britishness'.

Heath also singled out specific policies from Restore, including a proposal to ban kosher slaughter, which he called 'barbaric and anti-British'. He noted that Jews have practised kosher slaughter in Britain for centuries and are 'British patriots'. He further criticised Rupert Lowe for being unable to say that the King is 'white British', calling that line of argument 'absurd'.

In the article, Heath described Lowe as a 'deluded egotist' who is 'toxifying British politics' and 'fanning the fires of racial and religious strife'. He warned that such behaviour risks handing permanent power to 'Andy Burnham's leftist revolutionaries'.

Despite the strong reaction, Heath acknowledged that some form of electoral agreement between the Conservatives and Reform UK may eventually be necessary, but he insisted that neither party should ally with Restore, which he considers beyond the pale.

The debate comes after Reform UK leader Nigel Farage revealed earlier in the week that he had reached out to Rupert Lowe privately to discuss a possible pact, but had not yet received a response. The exchange followed a public video from Lowe intended for Farage.

Heath's article has drawn a mixed response. While some readers praised his stance, the top-rated comment on the piece expressed disappointment, calling the attack on Lowe 'totally desperate'. However, Heath defended his position, arguing that it is essential to take a stand against what he sees as destructive and divisive politics.