Politics
Farage ‘Dismayed’ as Reform UK Activist’s Racist and Violent Comments Spark Outrage
Nigel Farage 'distressed' following Reform activist caught on video making 'shocking' derogatory remarks
Andrew Parker, a party activist, was recorded by an undercover journalist pretending to be a fellow campaigner in Clacton, Essex, where leader Nigel Farage is running for office.
Thursday, June 27, 2024, 9:
Nigel Farage expressed his "dismay" following the release of a video in which a Reform UK activist suggested that the military should "just shoot" migrants attempting to cross the Channel.
During a covert operation in Clacton, Essex, where Mr. Farage is contesting, a Channel 4 journalist, who was incognito as another campaigner, recorded party enthusiast Andrew Parker.
Mr. Parker additionally employed a racially offensive term when referring to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. A different activist mentioned in the report criticized an LGBT Pride flag displayed on a police vehicle, calling it "corrupt."
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The document details Mr. Parker speaking about the arrival of migrants in small vessels in Deal, Kent while on the campaign trail.
He states: "Military enlistment – bring the new recruits to the beach, arm them, and engage in target practice. Just fire at the targets."
He further characterizes Islam as a "repulsive sect".
When questioned about the video on Thursday, Mr. Farage stated that the remarks consisted of "some quite distasteful things… very biased, very incorrect."
"He added that Mr. Parker would no longer be welcome to return."
Speaking to Channel 4, Mr. Farage expressed his disappointment over remarks made by a few individuals connected to his local campaign, especially the volunteers. He stated that these individuals would no longer participate in the campaign.
"The shocking opinions shared by certain individuals in these discussions are completely unaligned with my personal beliefs, those of most of our backers, or the policies of Reform UK. Some of the terms employed were utterly unacceptable."
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Mr. Parker stated that "my personal opinions on immigration are not known to Nigel Farage or the Reform Party."
In a public declaration, he expressed his deep regret to Nigel Farage and the Reform Party, stating, "If my individual opinions have cast them in a negative light or tarnished their reputation, I sincerely apologize, as that was never my goal."
Mr. Parker expressed his decision to support Reform, citing them as the sole party providing a viable solution to the issue of illegal immigration.
On Thursday, Mr. Farage stated that he was merely "someone who arrived to assist" and "is not involved with the party."
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Clacton's Labour candidate, Jovan Owusu-Nepaul, remarked on X, stating, "The opinions expressed do not reflect the sentiments of the numerous admirable individuals I've encountered during my campaign here in Clacton. We remain committed to promoting a hopeful and welcoming vision for transformation."
Previously, Sir Keir Starmer declared that Labour remains committed to Clacton, despite a Guardian article suggesting that Mr. Owusu-Nepaul had shifted his campaign efforts to the West Midlands.
The publication alleges that Mr. Owusu-Nepaul's posts on social media were attracting more attention than those of Sir Keir.
However, the leader of the Labour Party stated, "We are contesting every area, Clacton included. Our goal is to challenge the Tories and Reform across the board."
The additional contenders in the Clacton race include:
Matthew Bensilum, Member of the Liberal Democrats
Craig Jamison, Environmental Party
Tony Mack, unaffiliated
Natasha Oben, Representative of the Green Party
Tasos Papanastasiou, representing the Heritage Party
Andrew Pemberton, representative of the UK Independence Party
Giles Watling, member of the Conservative
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