People should be free to ‘black up’ as Jamaican bobsleigh team for charity, says Ukip interim leader

Steve Crowther said British society risked 'hurtling towards tyranny'

UKIP interim leader Steve Crowther spoke at the annual party conference (Getty / Matt Cardy)

People should be allowed to “black up” to raise money for charity without fear of police reprisals, the interim leader of the UK Independence Party has told activists.

Delivering his final speech, Steve Crowther said people should be able to paint their faces black and dress up as the Jamaican bobsleigh team from without risking prosecution, referring to a recent case probed by police.

In August, a group of men in Wales were accused of racism after painting their faces and dressing up as the Jamaican team in the film Cool Runnings, which prompted a police investigation.

“A society that politicises or loses control of its beliefs is hurtling towards tyranny," said Mr Crowther, The Telegraph reported.

“The advantage for police forces is there is no need for any evidence to be produced to record a hate incident. All this is designed not to end hate but to amplify it.

“If you black up to pay homage to the Cool Runnings Jamaican bobsleigh team while raising money you are a racist monster who should be drummed out."

He added that people should be allow to “stuff balloons” down their shirts and dress as nurses to raise money for medical equipment, without being labelled a “sexist monster”.

The UKIP politician was referring to a health trust’s turning down of money for heart testing equipment in August, as the cash was raised by male fundraisers dressed up as female nurses.

Mr Crowther then went on to defend the Oxford University vice-chancellor Louise Richardson, who earlier this month said lecturers should be free to make homophobic comments to encourage debate among students.

“If you went to the world's top university, a place where ideas including lecturers perceived view on homosexuality are there to be debated not shouted down, you are a homophobic monster who does not deserve to be the vice chancellor,” Mr Crowther said.

“Ukip should campaign to have these absurd rules abolished and return to crime being crime.”