Nigel Farage calls for reindustrialisation of Britain and higher birthrates

Nigel Farage: ‘We’re not going to get higher birthrates in this country until we can get some sense of optimism.’ Photograph: Ben Whitley/PA

Nigel Farage has called for the “reindustrialisation” of Britain and “180-degree shift” to reverse the declining birthrate, as he praised the “Judeo-Christian culture” that he claimed underpinned western civilisation.

Addressing a global gathering of rightwing activists in London, the Reform leader said the UK should rebuild its heavy industry, including through the domestic production of steel, oil and gas.