What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Nigel Farage has defended his decision to appear on a show hosted by a notorious US 'shock jock' despite criticism from Jewish groups.

The Brexit Party leader was accused of using "codewords for antisemitic conspiracy theories" on conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' show InfoWars.

Today Mr Farage insisted he was not a conspiracy theorist "at all" and said some of the Guardian's allegations were "wide of the mark".

Twitter has banned Jones and Infowars after violations of the site's abusive behaviour policy, while Facebook said: "We've always banned individuals or organisations that promote or engage in violence and hate."

However, Nigel Farage previously appeared on Jones' show several times and was praised by the host as "amazing".

(Image: Info Wars)

During one interview, Mr Farage used phrases such as "new world order" and "the globalists".

While not explicitly anti-Semitic, a Jewish group argued these phrases are often associated with anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and are "familiar codewords" for those who believe them.

The Community Security Trust said: "For Jones’s conspiracy-minded audience, Farage’s references to ‘globalists’ and ‘new world order’ will be taken as familiar codewords for antisemitic conspiracy theories.”

The spokesman added Jones was “a notorious conspiracy theorist who should be beyond the pale for any mainstream politician”.

(Image: REUTERS)

A spokesman for the Board of Deputies of British Jews told the Guardian: “It is vital that our politicians distance themselves from conspiracy theories and conspiracy theorists, including those who trade in antisemitic tropes.

"We would call on Nigel Farage to repudiate these ideas and to commit not to dignify oddball nasties like Alex Jones with his presence again.”

In one show still available online, Mr Farage told Jones: "The EU is the prototype for the new world order”.

Later in the conversation, Jones suggested the bombing of Syria was part of a "wider war to keep the EU".

Appearing to agree with Jones, Mr Farage replied: "The Globalists have wanted to have some form of conflict with Russia as an argument for us all to surrender our national sovereignty and give it up to a higher global level.

"They've wanted it for years and now they see their opportunity."

(Image: REUTERS)

Jones, a notorious hard-right vlogger, has made a string of controversial and offensive comments.

He is also being sued by families of the victims after claiming the Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax.

Immediately after Mr Farage left the interview Jones heaped praise on the Brexiteer and said "they've tried to kill Farage, confirmed repeatedly".

He referred to the "EU police", and real incidents including a plane crash involving Mr Farage, but it was unclear who he was suggesting tried to kill the MEP.

Mr Farage was asked about his comments on InfoWars by The Guardian in a press conference today.

He said: “Since 2008 I've done a huge amount of global media. I've done national TV in China quite regularly, I've done stuff from all over the world.

(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

"As far as the Infowars site's concerned I've done it very infrequently, perhaps once every couple of years I've appeared on those programmes.

"Because you appear on programmes doesn’t mean you support the editorial line, necessarily, of those podcasts, broadcasts, newspapers or whatever they may be.

"I know Jones is accused of conspiracy theory and there is without doubt some truth in that.

"I have never been conspiracy theorist at all. And one or two of the so called allegations you published this morning are shall we say wide of the mark."

He then attacked the Guardian for running allegations about his possible links to Russia, saying: "I think when it comes to crackpot conspiracy theories, you're way, way ahead of me."

Also today Mr Farage said his Brexit Party was in talks with Tory donors about potentially backing his candidates in a general election.

(Image: PA)

The Brexit Party leader - who has refused to identify a major donor to the party - said he was beginning the process of recruiting 650 candidates to contest a general election.

He claimed formerly loyal Tory donors were "asking themselves the question 'what is the Conservative Party for, what purpose does it actually serve?"'.

The Brexit Party has already raised £2 million to fight the European elections, with 90% from people signing up as £25 registered supporters, he said.

Mr Farage also urged Theresa May to "use" his "friendship" with Donald Trump when the President pays a state visit to the UK next month.

Elsewhere Lib Dem leader Vince Cable called for an end to "divisive identity politics" as he unveiled the Lib Dems' local election campaign on a ticket to remain.