Reform councillor criticised for attending protest with extremist group

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 02:44 · Archive

A Reform UK councillor attended a protest against asylum housing plans alongside a group described as neo-Nazi.

Michael Wilson, Deputy Leader of the Reform UK group on Cherwell District Council, attended the 'Bicester Says No' protest on November 7. The protest was against government plans to convert the former Bicester MoD site in Piddington into asylum housing for 1,256 people.

Patriotic Alternative also attended the protest. Cherwell District Council representatives from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and an Independent councillor issued a joint statement condemning Wilson's attendance. They describe Patriotic Alternative as a 'well-known neo-Nazi group' with 'documented links to neo-Nazism, white nationalism, hatred of Jews including Holocaust denial, homophobia and endorsement of violent riots in the UK'. The statement alleges the group had 'high-visibility presence' at the protest with a decorated van and banner, and were reportedly invited to speak by organisers.

When questioned about Patriotic Alternative, Wilson said that 'attending... does not automatically mean endorsing every organisation or individual person'. He added that he 'rejects extremist views'. The cross-party councillors rejected what they called his 'trivialising and dismissive explanation' for the decision to march.

How it is being reported

• Reform councillor slammed for protest alongside 'extremist hate group'A Reform councillor for Banbury said he 'rejects extremist views' represented by some who attended the same march as he did last weekend.Oxford Mail · 13 Nov, 20:20
• Reform councillor slammed for protest alongside 'extremist hate group'A Reform councillor for Banbury said he 'rejects extremist views' represented by some who attended the same march as he did last weekend.Oxfordshire Guardian · 13 Nov, 20:04

In this story: Michael Wilson · Reform UK · Cherwell District Council · Patriotic Alternative · Bicester · Piddington

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