Equalities watchdog writes to Reform over racist remarks filmed undercover

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 23:09 · Archive

Britain's equalities watchdog has written to Reform UK seeking information after an ITV documentary showed party members making racist remarks.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Britain's equalities watchdog, has written to Reform UK seeking information after an ITV undercover documentary revealed party members making racist remarks and sexist jokes. The programme, Undercover: A Year in Reform, was broadcast in October following a year-long investigation.

The EHRC asked Reform to provide information about what action the party is taking to comply with the Equality Act 2010. Following the broadcast, the watchdog said it received complaints alleging unlawful activity under equalities law, including concerns about racial and sexual remarks expressed by councillors, prospective councillors and members.

The documentary included footage of Reform councillor Alan Feeney calling Asian homeowners 'parasites' and stating that 'no more than 1% of the British population can be non-white'. Other recordings showed black children being referred to as 'animals', one activist saying asylum seekers should be put in concentration camps, and a councillor calling for King Charles to be killed. Reform MP Sarah Pochin was shown complaining that the party was 'chauvinistic'.

Some Reform members quit the party after the footage aired. Nigel Farage has said the party's vetting procedures have improved greatly since the documentary was filmed.

The EHRC said that as with every complaint it receives, it will assess the information provided carefully and take action where appropriate. Political parties must comply with the Equality Act and take steps to avoid discrimination or harassment on grounds including race, religion or belief and sex.

Equalities watchdog writes to Reform over racist remarks filmed undercover — Image: The Independent

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

Equalities watchdog writes to Reform after complaints ‘alleging unlawful activity’ after ITV probeThe undercover probe by ITV News, broadcast in September, revealed councillors and candidates within Reform using racist languageThe Independent · 2 Nov, 18:48
EHRC raises concern with Reform about ‘racial and sexual remarks’ in documentaryWatchdog writes to Nigel Farage’s party to ask what action it is taking to comply with the Equality Act The official equalities watchdog has written to Reform UK to raise concerns after an undercover TV documentary showed councillors and candidates for the party expressing racist and misogynistic views, with one of the party’s MPs complaining about ingrained sexism. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it had written to Nigel Farage’s party in the wake of revelations in ITV’s Undercover: A Year in Reform, which was broadcast in October. Continue reading...The Guardian · 2 Nov, 16:28
Britain's equalities watchdog writes to Reform UK after party members were filmed making racist remarks and joking about incestThe Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it had contacted Nigel Farage's party seeking 'more information' in the wake of an ITV investigation.Daily Mail · 2 Nov, 16:07

In this story: Reform UK · Equality and Human Rights Commission · Nigel Farage · ITV · Alan Feeney · Sarah Pochin · King Charles

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log