Restore, a political group described as "far-right in a suit," is facing renewed accusations of antisemitism following a social media post by co-founder Charlie Downes. Downes responded to a post by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, in which Farage stated, "I can’t be bullied. I can’t be bought. I’ve stood for the same principles for many decades," by sharing an image of Farage speaking at a Reform Jewish Alliance (RJA) meeting.
The RJA is a group representing Jewish people's interests within the Reform party. The image showed Farage behind a lectern featuring the RJA's logo, which includes a Star of David. While Downes did not caption the post, antisemitism campaigners have condemned the action as amplifying a historical antisemitic trope that Jews wield undue financial influence.
Alex Hearn, spokesperson for Labour Against Anti-Semitism, stated that Downes "insinuated that Nigel Farage had been bought by Jews – the oldest smear about money and influence." Hearn further noted that the message was delivered via an image to avoid direct quotation. He also cited Downes's previous assertion that Restore believes "Britain is a people defined by indigenous British ancestry and Christian faith," a definition that would exclude Jewish people and other minorities.
A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism commented that the RJA is a legitimate supporters' group, similar to other interest groups within Reform UK. The spokesperson questioned whether Downes would apply the same insinuation of being "bullied" or "bought" to other groups, such as veterans, and stated that such accusations against Jews have been used by extremist groups historically to suggest conspiracies.
The group Restore has repeatedly faced scrutiny over accusations of becoming a platform for antisemitism. High-profile Restore supporters have allegedly called for the deportation of Jewish people, and the party has not disavowed them, according to reports.
Downes also recently accused the Sunday Telegraph editor Alistair Heath of being a "traitor to the British people" and an "agent of the anti-white establishment" online. Elon Musk, a backer of Restore, supported Downes's comments on X, writing, "True. Heath is a traitor."
These controversies come as Restore and Reform UK reportedly consider a potential electoral alliance. Restore's leader, Martin Lowe, who was previously suspended by Reform UK, has publicly urged Farage to work together for a "patriotic government." Farage has expressed openness to such discussions.
Restore Britain has also been accused of welcoming white supremacists, including Steve Laws, founder of Remigration Now, a group advocating for the expulsion of non-white and Jewish people from Britain. Laws has stated he has joined and donated to Restore.
Restore's leadership has been compelled to defend the party against claims of antisemitism on multiple occasions. The latest incident involving Downes's social media post further intensifies scrutiny on the group as potential alliances are explored.