Understand
Reform UK faces criticism after undercover filming catches councillors making racist remarks
Overview
Reform UK has faced severe criticism following an ITV News undercover investigation that captured party councillors and candidates using racist, violent, and sexist language. The footage includes a Solihull councillor and deputy mayor referring to Asian homeowners as "parasites" and stating that non-white people should make up no more than one percent of the British population. Reform stated that investigations have commenced, suspensions and resignations have occurred, and that individuals who do not share party values occasionally slip through vetting procedures. Other political parties condemned the remarks.
Key points
- ITV News broadcast undercover filming gathered over a year of Reform UK councillors and candidates using racist, violent and sexist language.
- Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull, was recorded calling Asian homeowners "parasites" and claiming the area was "infested".
- ITV reported that Feeney had mutually agreed to resign from Reform UK for personal reasons and would continue as an independent councillor.
- Reform UK stated that there is no room for racism in the party, that inappropriate behavior is being investigated, and that some individuals have been suspended.
- Other political parties, including Labour, the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, and the Green Party, strongly condemned the remarks.