A Reform UK candidate, who has not been publicly identified, was filmed suggesting asylum seekers should be placed in concentration camps and that Muslims cannot be British. The comments were recorded as part of an undercover investigation by ITV. Reform UK stated there is no room for racism in the party and that investigations are underway.
The revelations raise questions about Reform UK's vetting procedures and the suitability of its candidates and activists. The comments, particularly those regarding asylum seekers and Muslims, could impact the party's public image and electoral prospects.
An undercover investigation by ITV News has revealed comments made by a Reform UK activist suggesting asylum seekers should be placed in "concentration camps" and that Muslims cannot be British. Jason Powell, who has applied to be a Reform parliamentary candidate, was filmed saying "you cannot be Muslim and British, it's like oil and water."
Reform UK has suspended Powell from party membership pending an internal investigation. The party is also investigating two councillors, David Kerr and Adam Parkins, over separate footage in which they appear to advocate for the mass shooting of grooming gang members. Reform UK stated that there is "no room for racism" in the party and that it has opened investigations where activists or members had "clearly behaved inappropriately".
Separately, Alan Feeney resigned as a Reform councillor after racist comments he made about Asian homeowners were uncovered. Reform UK stated it has prioritised and improved its vetting procedures.
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