Nigel Farage's Response
Nigel Farage dismissed a Reform activist's racist comments as a "comedy act" amidst the growing controversy surrounding his party. He labeled the incident as a "complete and total setup" and distanced himself from the campaigner, emphasizing they had no association with the party.
Allegations of a 'Set Up'
Farage claimed the activist's remarks were orchestrated to harm the party's reputation and suggested it may have been a deliberate ploy for publicity. Channel 4, the network that aired the footage, denied any involvement in setting up the incident.
Handling Controversial Candidates
Farage addressed previous instances of racism within Reform UK, stating that individuals who made controversial comments have been disowned and removed from their positions. He admitted to facing challenges with the vetting process and emphasized his commitment to disassociating from such behavior.
Apologies and Reactions
The activist, Andrew Parker, apologized for his remarks, attributing them to being "goaded on" in the moment. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his disappointment and anger over the incident, highlighting the need to address racism within political discourse.
Channel 4's Response
Channel 4 defended their journalistic integrity, stating they had no prior knowledge of Mr. Parker's actions and had not paid him for the coverage. The network emphasized their commitment to impartial reporting and covertly filmed the activist during an undercover operation.
