Nigel Farage’s campaign against the World Health Organization (WHO) is shifting its base of operations to the United States, raising eyebrows about the rationale behind the Reform UK leader’s involvement with an American pressure group. The Action on World Health, co-founded by Farage, is rebranding itself as a charitable foundation in Delaware, enlisting a new board of lobbyists to further its agenda.
A New Chapter in Delaware
The Action on World Health has officially relocated to Delaware as it embarks on a fresh fundraising campaign. The group claims that the WHO is overly influenced by China and is compromised by private funding, accusing it of adopting a “far left” agenda. This move comes as Farage has increasingly spent time in the US since his election to Parliament in July 2024, making at least ten trips across the Atlantic in that period.
In a notable shift, the organisation is now soliciting donations in US dollars, with its website encouraging global citizens to lobby their politicians against the WHO. However, conspicuously absent from this outreach is an option for UK citizens to contact their representatives, raising questions about the campaign’s priorities.
A Board of Controversy
The restructured board of Action on World Health includes key figures such as Andy Wigmore, a close ally of Farage and a prominent Brexit advocate, and Gerry Gunster, an American political strategist previously involved in Farage’s campaigns. Wigmore’s appointment is particularly telling, as it underscores the interconnectedness of Farage’s political ventures and his ongoing anti-WHO crusade.
Other board members from London include Amanda Moslé Friedman, a US businesswoman with ties to nuclear technology, and Greg Swenson, chair of Republicans Overseas UK. This transatlantic alliance suggests a concerted effort to amplify their message in the US political landscape.
Ties to the Tobacco Industry
Action on World Health’s links to the tobacco industry have previously raised significant concerns. Co-founder David Roach, also a local election candidate for Reform UK, has been associated with lobbying efforts on behalf of nicotine products, including vaping companies. A manifesto released by the group ahead of the 2024 UK elections opposed what it described as “excessive regulation” on vaping and other products, echoing sentiments often articulated by the tobacco lobby.
Despite these connections, Roach has claimed that no nicotine companies are funding Action on World Health, maintaining that any financial arrangements are confidential. Critics argue that the lack of transparency in funding sources further muddies the waters regarding the group’s true motivations.
The WHO Responds
The WHO has previously accused Action on World Health of disseminating misinformation regarding its international treaty aimed at improving global pandemic preparedness. Farage’s efforts to undermine the WHO’s credibility come at a time when global health governance is under intense scrutiny, particularly in light of recent health crises.
A spokesperson for the campaign group Spotlight on Corruption emphasised the urgent need for stricter regulations on MPs’ outside interests, lamenting the slow progress on this issue despite it being a key manifesto commitment. This sentiment reflects growing public concern over the intertwining of personal interests and political responsibilities.
Why it Matters
The relocation of Action on World Health to the United States and its strategic alignment with American lobbyists raise critical questions about the future of global health governance and the integrity of political figures like Nigel Farage. As the organisation seeks to amplify its anti-WHO message, the implications of its actions could resonate far beyond the political arena, potentially influencing public health policies and international relations in a time of unprecedented global health challenges. The intersection of politics and health advocacy, particularly when driven by figures with questionable ties to industry, demands vigilant scrutiny from both the public and regulatory bodies.