EHRC Sends Formal Inquiry to Reform UK After Documentary Revelations
The equalities watchdog asked the party to detail its compliance with the Equality Act following complaints about racial and sexual remarks by members.
By Charlotte Dubois ·
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has sent a formal letter to Reform UK asking for specific details on how the party meets its legal obligations under the Equality Act. The inquiry follows the broadcast of an undercover television documentary in October that captured several party members making remarks about race and gender.
The EHRC stated it received complaints alleging unlawful activity under the Equality Act 2010. These complaints focused on racial and sexual comments made by current councillors, prospective candidates, and party members. The commission said it will assess the information provided carefully before taking further action.
Footage from the ITV program showed Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull, describing Asian homeowners as parasites. He also made Islamophobic statements and asserted that no more than 1% of the British population should be non-white. Other recorded segments featured candidates expressing views of extreme violence and deep-seated misogyny. One Bromley councillor was heard calling for King Charles to be killed, while another made disturbing sexual comments about female colleagues.
The documentary also included footage of Reform MP Sarah Pochin complaining about the internal culture of the party. She described the environment as chauvinistic and riven with alpha male behavior. The EHRC noted that political parties must avoid discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, belief, or sex.
In its letter, the commission urged Reform to review its policies and practices to identify areas of potential discrimination or victimisation. This move follows a similar letter sent weeks earlier to the Greens in England and Wales regarding their policy on Zionism and Israel. The EHRC stated it has guidance available to advise parties on their responsibilities under the act.
Reform UK has responded to the inquiry with a statement from a party spokesperson. The spokesperson said the party is confident it has fully complied with its obligations and asserted that there is no room for racism in the organization. The party previously reported the ITV production to police and threatened civil legal action against the broadcaster.
Nigel Farage has stated that the party's vetting procedures have improved greatly since the initial allegations surfaced. The EHRC maintains that duty-bearers must take steps to prevent harassment, and it will continue to monitor the situation as part of its standard assessment process for all received complaints.
