Nigel Farage is under pressure to address his lack of response following a controversial statement made by Reform MP Sarah Pochin regarding the portrayal of Black and Asian individuals in advertisements. Anna Turley, the chair of the Labour Party, has written to Farage questioning his silence on Pochin’s remarks. Pochin, a Member of Parliament for Runcorn and Helsby, expressed frustration during a recent Talk TV segment, stating that she found advertisements featuring non-white individuals irritating.
Turley criticized Pochin’s comments as racist and urged Farage to take action by revoking Pochin’s membership from Reform UK. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy PM David Lammy also condemned Pochin’s statements, labeling them as disgraceful and racist. Despite Pochin issuing an apology for any offense caused, she stood by her assertion that current TV adverts lack representation of British society.
Streeting accused Pochin of insincerity in her apology, suggesting that she was only remorseful for being called out. Lammy emphasized the importance of inclusivity and denounced Pochin’s remarks as abhorrent. The Mirror has reached out to Reform UK for a response.
In a separate letter addressed to Nigel Farage, Turley expressed her concern over Pochin’s comments and urged for a swift resolution. Turley reiterated that Pochin’s remarks were unacceptable and called on Farage to take decisive action. Turley’s letter emphasized the need for accountability and awaited an immediate response from Farage.
Anna Turley MP
Chair of the Labour Party