Party activist captured on film making inflammatory comments during undercover report in Clacton, Essex

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and candidate in Clacton, Essex, has expressed dismay after one of his party’s activists was caught making disparaging remarks about migrants and Islam during an undercover investigation. The activist, Andrew Parker, was recorded by a Channel 4 reporter posing as a canvasser, where he suggested that the Army should use lethal force against migrants crossing the Channel in small boats.

Parker’s comments, which included racial slurs and derogatory remarks about Islam, were met with strong condemnation from Farage, who stated that such sentiments were “very prejudiced” and “very wrong.” Farage emphasized that Parker and others involved in the controversial remarks would no longer be associated with the campaign.

In response to the revelations, Farage clarified that Parker’s views do not align with Reform UK’s policies or the majority of its supporters. He distanced himself and the party from the “reprehensible” language used in the exchanges captured on video.

Parker, in his defence, stated that his personal views on immigration were not known to Farage or the Reform Party. He issued an apology, expressing regret if his remarks had brought disrepute to Farage and Reform UK, insisting that his intention was to support what he perceived as the party’s pragmatic approach to immigration issues.

The incident has sparked controversy in Clacton, with political opponents and community leaders criticizing the inflammatory remarks. Labour candidate Jovan Owusu-Nepaul emphasized that such views do not reflect his campaign’s inclusive message, distancing himself from any association with divisive rhetoric.

Farage, despite the fallout, reiterated his commitment to the campaign, focusing on what he described as practical solutions to immigration challenges. He emphasized his role as a candidate and his dedication to advancing Reform UK’s platform, separate from the actions and views of individual campaigners.

Sky News

Nigel Farage expressed dismay after a Reform UK campaigner, Andrew Parker, was caught on camera making derogatory remarks during an undercover investigation in Clacton, Essex. The footage captured Parker suggesting that the Army should shoot migrants crossing the Channel, using racial slurs, and disparaging comments about Islam and the LGBT community.

Farage, who is campaigning in Clacton as Reform UK’s leader, swiftly distanced himself from Parker’s comments, calling them “appalling” and stating they do not reflect his own views or those of the party’s supporters. He emphasized that Parker and others involved would no longer be part of the campaign.

In response to the controversy, Parker issued an apology, clarifying that his personal views on immigration were not endorsed by Farage or Reform UK. He expressed regret if his statements had tarnished the party’s reputation.

Meanwhile, Labour candidate Jovan Owusu-Nepaul, also campaigning in Clacton, denounced Parker’s remarks, affirming that they do not represent the positive and inclusive message he aims to promote during his campaign.

The incident has stirred additional attention in the Clacton constituency, where candidates from various parties, including Liberal Democrats, Climate Party, Green Party, and Conservatives, are contesting against Farage and Reform UK in the upcoming election.

4 News

The recent undercover investigation by Channel 4 News into Reform UK’s campaign in Clacton has exposed disturbing instances of racism, Islamophobia, and homophobia among party activists. The investigation captured Reform UK canvassers making highly offensive remarks about immigrants, Muslims, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. One activist suggested using army recruits for target practice against migrants arriving by boat, while another made derogatory comments about mosques and Muslims.

Additionally, the investigation revealed discussions among senior campaign figures indicating potential breaches of local electoral spending limits. Despite these revelations, Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing regarding campaign finances.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and a candidate in Clacton, expressed dismay over the comments captured in the undercover footage, stating they do not align with the party’s principles or his own views. He emphasized that individuals involved in making such remarks would no longer be associated with the campaign.

These revelations have sparked widespread condemnation, highlighting deep concerns about the rhetoric and values espoused by some within Reform UK as the election approaches.

The Guardian

The recent revelations from an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News have exposed deeply troubling comments made by Reform UK activists in Clacton, where Nigel Farage is running for office. Andrew Parker, a Reform UK canvasser, was filmed making racist remarks about Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and expressing Islamophobic sentiments. He also suggested using army recruits for target practice against asylum seekers arriving by boat.

In response to these revelations, Nigel Farage expressed dismay and stated that such views do not align with the principles of Reform UK or his own. He emphasized that individuals making such comments would no longer be associated with the campaign.

The investigation also captured George Jones, a senior party activist organizing events for Farage, making homophobic remarks about the LGBT Pride flag.

These developments have sparked significant controversy and scrutiny over Reform UK’s campaign and the attitudes of some of its supporters as the general election approaches.