Rees-Mogg Criticizes Populist Right's 'Ethnonationalism' and 'Isolationism'

Former Member of Parliament Jacob Rees-Mogg has voiced strong criticism of what he describes as 'ethnonationalism' and 'isolationism' emerging within right-wing political movements in both the United Kingdom and the United States. In a recent interview, Rees-Mogg drew a distinction between traditional Conservative values and the policies advocated by parties such as Reform UK, which he characterized as 'revolutionaries' flirting with extreme positions.

Rees-Mogg highlighted Kemi Badenoch's recent speech at the Conservative Party conference as a defense of traditional Tory values. He contrasted this with what he sees as the fiscally irresponsible populism of Reform UK, citing proposals such as scrapping the two-child limit on benefit payments and significantly increasing the income tax personal allowance. Rees-Mogg asserted that these policies, estimated to cost tens of billions of pounds, are unaffordable and indicative of a lack of experience.

"The truth is that Britain's historic conservative tradition is now under attack from both of those populist forces - just as much as from the Left," Rees-Mogg stated. He further criticized Reform UK's stance on inheritance tax, contrasting their focus on 'tax cuts for working people' with Kemi Badenoch's plan to scrap inheritance tax on primary residences.

Beyond fiscal policy, Rees-Mogg addressed what he termed 'pernicious ethnonationalism' within Reform UK, suggesting that some figures within the party promote the idea that non-white citizens cannot be considered English. He referenced Suella Braverman as an explicit proponent of this view, while noting that Nigel Farage has previously distanced himself from such sentiments. Rees-Mogg dismissed the notion that black members of national sports teams cannot be considered proper Englishmen as "dangerous nonsense."

Rees-Mogg also extended his critique to the United States, referencing the 'MAGA doctrine' and what he perceives as an "ugly isolationism inflected with bizarre Putinophilia" promoted by figures such as former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Rees-Mogg recounted a recent interview with Carlson, describing him as "perfectly charming – but deeply naive about the reality of global affairs." He argued that Carlson's promotion of isolationism makes war more likely, contrary to the belief that it promotes peace. Rees-Mogg emphasized the ancient principle of statecraft: "if you want peace, you must prepare for war."

He posited that the territorial integrity of nation-states must be defended at all costs, a principle he believes Carlson and his ideological allies fail to grasp. Rees-Mogg expressed hope that Donald Trump and future Republican presidential nominees would resist this "insular defeatism."

Rees-Mogg concluded by stating that he takes "renewed hope" from Badenoch's leadership and the current direction of the Conservative Party, suggesting that it offers a clear alternative to both the Labour Party and the populist right.