An activist for the Reform UK party, who previously stated that all illegal immigrants should be placed in camps and deported, has been appointed to a publicly funded role working for the party in Scotland.
Faten Hameed, who faced significant criticism for remarks made during a television interview, is now listed as a member of staff assisting the party's Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). Her position reports to Vic Currie, Reform UK's representative for the Highlands and Islands region. The appointment comes after Hameed stood as an election candidate for Reform UK but did not secure a seat in the Scottish Parliament. Earlier in her political career, Hameed sought election for both the Labour and Conservative parties.
Reports also indicate that Hameed, despite her public statements on immigration, had previously applied for approximately £154,000 in public funding for a program aimed at supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and ethnic minorities in Glasgow. The proposed initiative would have provided services such as advice, language support, employability training, mental health workshops, and cultural activities, with the stated goals of combating poverty, reducing social isolation, and promoting equal opportunities.
A source within the Scottish Conservative party criticized the hiring, stating it showed a "staggering lack of judgment" and highlighted a perceived inconsistency in Hameed's past actions and public statements. The source also commented on Hameed's previous electoral attempts, noting her failures to win seats with multiple parties.
Hameed, who moved to Scotland from Iraq 30 years ago, ran as Reform UK's candidate for Strathkelvin and Bearsden in recent elections, finishing fourth with 10.4% of the vote. During a Sky News interview last year, she advocated for the creation of deportation camps for illegal immigrants, stating, "Put them in camps and deport them."
Records show that while serving as chairman of the Scottish Iraqi Association, Hameed applied for £154,266 from the Glasgow Communities Fund for a "comprehensive support and integration program" for marginalized Iraqi refugees, asylum seekers, and ethnic minorities. The program's overview aligned with Glasgow's priorities of inclusion, equality, and poverty reduction.
Reform UK had previously stated that Hameed maintained that "illegal migration must be stopped and those with no right to remain should be removed." The party also commented on the integration project, suggesting it "focused on practical community support and reducing pressures at a local level, something that benefits both residents and authorities regardless of broader policy views."
Requests for comment from Faten Hameed, Vic Currie, and Reform UK regarding her new role were not responded to.