Reform UK in Turmoil: Canvasser’s Racist Remarks Spark Outrage and Police Inquiry

Reform activist Andrew Parker admitted to Sky News that he acted foolishly and was provoked into making the remarks that were recorded during Channel 4's undercover operation.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Friday, June 28, 2024, 11:

A canvasser for Reform UK who made a racist remark about Rishi Sunak has admitted to being a "total fool" and stated that he has taken the lesson to heart.

Video captured by a covert Channel 4 journalist revealed Reform activist Andrew Parker using a derogatory word to describe the prime minister and also making comments that the military should "just shoot" migrants attempting to cross the Channel.

Election update: Farage forced to respond as followers are found making discriminatory and anti-LGBTQ comments

Authorities are currently evaluating the remarks to determine whether any laws were broken, as Mr. Sunak expressed that the offensive words aimed at him were hurtful and provoked anger.

While campaigning in Clacton, where Reform leader Nigel Farage is a candidate, Mr. Parker informed Sky News that the sting operation had indeed been a significant learning experience for him.

He stated, "Many elderly individuals like myself are thoroughly exhausted by this woke agenda… but on that specific day, I was thoroughly deceived."

"It really taught me a lesson – I acted completely foolishly."

Further Updates on Nigel Farage:

Authorities Actively Evaluating Reform Activists' Racial Remarks as Sunak Expresses Outrage

Nigel Farage 'disappointed' following video of Reform activist uttering 'shocking' insults

Individual confesses to hurling items at Nigel Farage during his campaign tour in Barnsley for the general election.

When questioned about his choice of language, he defended himself by saying that he was an "old man" and still used "old words".

"He insisted that there was absolutely no racism involved. 'Honestly, I'm a decent person,' he added."

In the Channel 4 broadcast, Mr. Parker is recorded using derogatory terms to refer to the prime minister and is also heard talking about the influx of migrants reaching Deal, Kent via small vessels.

He stated: "Military enlistment – bring the young recruits to the beach, arm them, and engage in target practice. Just have them open fire."

For an enhanced video experience, it is recommended to utilize the Chrome browser.

He also referred to Islam as a "repulsive sect".

Mr. Farage expressed his shock at the "terrible" remarks and has attempted to dissociate himself from the activist, stating that he was merely "a person who came to assist" and "is not affiliated with the party."

He has also leveraged claims that Mr. Parker was a part-time actor to argue that the damning video was a complete "fabrication," a notion that Channel 4 has vehemently refuted.

Mr. Parker asserts that his involvement with Reform was independent of his acting career, and he alleges that he was provoked into making those statements.

A representative from Channel 4 stated: "We firmly support our thorough and appropriately unbiased reporting, which clearly speaks on its own behalf."

We first encountered Mr. Parker at the headquarters of the Reform UK party, where he served as a canvasser for the party.

"Reform UK's canvasser, nor any other individual mentioned in this report, received payment from us. Mr. Parker was unfamiliar to the Channel 4 News team and was recorded secretly during the undercover investigation."

The investigation by the media outlet additionally captured a different canvasser labeling the Pride flag as "corrupt" and implying that members of the LGBT community are involved in pedophilia.

A representative from Essex Police stated that the department is "quickly evaluating" the remarks "to determine if any criminal offenses have occurred."

Prime Minister 'upset and offended' by racial epithet

Mr. Sunak responded angrily to the remarks, stating that Mr. Farage needed to address several issues.

He stated, "My two daughters are exposed to Reform supporters who campaign for Nigel Farage using racial slurs against me. It's painful and infuriating, and I believe he needs to address some concerns.

"I choose my words with care when I say this, emphasizing the gravity because it's crucial that we address this matter directly and unequivocally."

Discover further: Key Conservative benefactor switches allegiance to Reform Party as Brexiteer Steve Baker attempts to succeed Sunak

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

"As the leader of the government and even more so as a dad to two little girls, I feel compelled to speak against this harmful and polarizing conduct."

When questioned on the Mumsnet parenting forum about whether he believes Mr Farage is racist, Mr Sunak responded, "Racism hurts. I have felt it before and have recently discussed my experiences."

"Concerning Farage, I refrain from categorizing individuals, but I will not hesitate to point out clear racism when it's evident, and there are undoubtedly significant issues within his party."

Farage Remains Defiant, Intensifies

During a BBC Question Time Leaders' Special on Friday evening, Mr. Farage was bombarded with inquiries regarding the controversy. He stated that he would not apologize for the behavior of individuals linked to his party.

Reform UK has been embroiled in multiple controversies due to its election candidates making offensive or racist remarks.

When questioned about why his party seems to appeal to racists and extremists, the ex-leader of UKIP asserted that he has "done more than anyone else living to expel the far right from British politics," stating that he confronted the British National Party (BNP) ten years earlier.

He seemed to distance himself from his predecessor, Richard Tice, when confronted with racist and xenophobic remarks made by Reform candidates. He claimed he "inherited a start-up party" and professed to have "no idea" why those individuals had been chosen.

Stay informed on the most recent developments in the UK and internationally by tuning into Sky News.

The additional contestants in Clacton include:

Associated Subjects

Footer for Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels on Sky

Additional Sky Websites