Community cafe demands apology from Farage for ‘intimidating’ uninvited visit

Reform UK Makerfield team reportedly arrived as cafe run by people with special needs was holding celebration event The founder of a community group has asked Nigel Farage to apologise after the Reform UK leader and his entourage entered its cafe unannounced in what she said was an “intimidating and overwhelming” manner, and allegedly took photographs and videos without permission. Farage was campaigning in Makerfield when he and his team stopped at a cafe run by the Hamlet Wigan CIC for a cup of tea and to use the toilets. The cafe supports young adult trainees with additional needs. At the time, the cafe was holding a celebration for a dozen trainees who had attained their gold Duke of Edinburgh award. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who is running to be the MP for Makerfield, was present as a longtime supporter. In 2023, he gave a speech at the opening of its new buildings and said the Hamlet refers to him as “one of the family”. Gemma Crompton, the director of the Hamlet, wrote to Farage saying: “While we have absolutely no issue with individuals from any political background visiting the Hamlet, the unannounced arrival of your campaign team, accompanie