A political storm has erupted after undercover cameras captured an aspiring Reform UK candidate making hardline remarks about Islam and Channel crossings.
An undercover investigation caught a would-be Reform UK MP declaring that Muslims cannot be British while proposing drastic detention measures for small boat arrivals.
Islam and border remarks filmed secretly
The activist described himself on camera as being particularly hardline regarding Islam.
He insisted that followers of Islam could not genuinely be British, comparing the two to oil and water, while specifically naming Reform home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf.
The activist outlined his personal stance on faith:
If a Muslim’s prepared to de-convert, I’m happy.
The activist elaborated further on national identity:
But if they want to remain faithful to Islam, then this would be, I would have disagreements, especially with, um, I mean, as far as I understand, (Reform home affairs spokesman) Zia Yusuf is a Muslim… To me… you cannot be a Muslim and British… It’s like oil and water.
In the first week of election, build concentration camps, and everyone who comes across on the Channel, you’re in there.
Reform activist
Racist language exposed across party ranks
The undercover footage forms part of broader revelations that have drawn severe criticism towards the party for offensive conduct.
Separate footage captured a Reform councillor stating that the party board was hardline, adding that members held opinions so strong they would face expulsion if voiced publicly.
In previously released excerpts, candidates and councillors were caught using derogatory terminology.
One clip showed black children being referred to as animals, while another featured a member complaining that Asian families had infested his local area.
Internal criticism also emerged from within the parliamentary party itself.
Reform MP Sarah Pochin described the party as chauvinistic, adding:
They just exclude you if you’re a woman.
Farage targeted as Labour attacks leadership
Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson argued that Nigel Farage was completely unfit to lead following the revelations.
Bridget Phillipson condemned the party leadership:
Bad apples don’t fall far from the tree. The sleaze, scandals and appalling revelations of racism and rank misogyny piling up by the day go right to the top of Reform UK.
Bridget Phillipson added:
Nigel Farage is incapable of taking responsibility and getting his house in order because he himself shares culpability.
Nigel Farage defended the party by emphasizing that candidate screening cannot anticipate every future statement.
Nigel Farage stated:
you can’t vet people for what they say in the future
Nigel Farage added:
I put it to you, if you went and spoke to hundreds of Conservative councillors and tried to provoke them you would find all sorts of things and all sorts of comments said.
Investigations launched over improper conduct
Party officials confirmed that probe procedures have been opened into members and activists who engaged in clear misconduct.
The party reiterated that racism has no place within its ranks.
Reform UK stated:
Reform UK has improved and prioritised its vetting procedures, but from time to time, a handful of individuals who do not share our values will initially make it through vetting.
Reform UK added:
This is the same for all organisations. However good the vetting, one cannot vet a future comment.
Reform UK concluded:
There is no room for racism in Reform UK. We always respect due process of investigations and whilst these are ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases.