Reform UK Suspends Activist Over Alleged Anti-Muslim Remarks

Reform UK has suspended a party activist and is investigating two of its councillors following allegations of racist and violent remarks captured by an undercover reporter for ITV News. The activist, Jason Powell, reportedly stated that "You cannot be Muslim and British, it's like oil and water." Powell, who had applied to be a Reform parliamentary candidate, also allegedly advocated for migrants who arrived illegally to be held in "concentration camps."

Reform UK confirmed Powell has been suspended from party membership pending an internal investigation. The party is also scrutinizing two councillors from the London borough of Hounslow. Footage reportedly shows Councillor David Kerr advocating for the shooting of grooming gang members, while Councillor Adam Parkins is said to have suggested conducting executions in the Downing Street rose garden.

In response to the allegations, a Reform UK spokesperson told the BBC that the party was pursuing legal action against ITV and the production company behind the documentary, "Undercover: A Year in Reform," which is set to be broadcast. The spokesperson added that there is "no room for racism" in the party and that investigations have been opened into activists and members who have "clearly behaved inappropriately."

Reform UK stated that it has prioritized and improved its vetting procedures. The party's response follows previous undercover filming by ITV News that reportedly showed some Reform councillors and candidates using racist, violent, and sexist language.

Robert Jenrick, a Reform UK MP, commented on the broadcast, telling BBC's Today programme that all political parties have "bad apples." He stated that he "didn't like what I heard in the documentary" but argued that the party had acted swiftly to remove or suspend individuals featured in the film.