Nigel Farage is holding a press briefing amidst mounting pressure to take action against a Reform MP who expressed frustration over advertisements featuring Black and Asian individuals.
The Reform party leader expressed his dissatisfaction with Sarah Pochin’s remarks but stopped short of labeling them as racist. Pochin issued an apology following intense criticism.
During the event, Farage was accompanied by Ellie Reynolds, a survivor of grooming gangs, who resigned from the survivors panel citing corruption. Farage proposed a parliamentary investigation into the scandal, emphasizing the public’s diminishing patience.
Reynolds voiced her lack of confidence in the panel’s effectiveness, emphasizing her skepticism about its ability to achieve results. She highlighted her willingness to collaborate with any party supporting positive change.
Farage acknowledged the politicization of survivors’ issues and proposed a parliamentary inquiry to depoliticize the matter and uncover the truth under oath. He emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for negligence.
In response to queries about former Welsh Reform leader Nathan Gill’s admission of accepting bribes, Farage expressed shock and emphasized the unpredictability of individuals’ actions.
Labour leader Keir Starmer condemned Pochin’s comments as racist, urging decisive action. He criticized Farage for his response, highlighting the importance of addressing racism within the party.
Farage clarified his stance on Pochin’s statements, denouncing them as unpleasant but not explicitly racist. He emphasized the broader context of diversity, equity, and inclusion issues in the advertising sector.
Advocating for a parliamentary inquiry into grooming gangs, Farage proposed leveraging Parliament’s authority to investigate the scandal, aiming to restore public trust and address growing impatience.
Reynolds criticized the grooming gangs inquiry setup, highlighting survivors’ marginalization and the panel’s failure to address perpetrator ethnicity issues. She criticized the candidates’ backgrounds and called for survivor representation.
Describing the grooming gangs scandal as a stain on the country’s history, Farage criticized the government’s handling of the issue and highlighted the lack of credibility of certain officials. He invited Reynolds to share her insights during the briefing.
The Liberal Democrats tabled a motion in Parliament condemning Pochin’s remarks and urging action against racism within the party. Spokesperson Max Wilkinson emphasized the need for bipartisan condemnation of such behavior.
Pochin issued an apology following public backlash. Farage hinted at presenting a solution to the grooming gangs inquiry challenges in an upcoming press conference, acknowledging the probe’s ongoing difficulties.
Political tensions escalated as survivors quit the panel and called for minister Jess Phillips’ resignation. The Home Office faced delays in appointing a new chair, with former deputy police chief Jim Gamble withdrawing due to survivor concerns.
Farage’s silence on Pochin’s remarks prompted Labour Chair Anna Turley to demand an explanation. Turley criticized Pochin’s comments and highlighted the need for accountability within the party.
