Nigel Farage is under pressure to address his lack of response following controversial comments made by Reform MP Sarah Pochin regarding diversity in TV adverts. Anna Turley, the chair of the Labour Party, has reached out to Farage, questioning his silence on Pochin’s remarks. Pochin, a Member of Parliament for Runcorn and Helsby, expressed frustration over seeing advertisements featuring Black and Asian individuals, stating, “It drives me mad when I see adverts full of black people, full of Asian people, you know people who are anything other than white.”
Turley criticized Pochin’s statement as racist and urged Farage to take action by revoking the Reform UK whip from Pochin. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy PM David Lammy also condemned Pochin’s comments, calling them disgraceful and terribly racist. Despite apologizing for any offense caused, Pochin defended her stance that TV adverts are not representative of British society.
Streeting suggested that Pochin’s apology was insincere and that she was only regretful for being exposed. Lammy emphasized the importance of inclusivity and denounced Pochin’s remarks as mean and racist. He called on Farage to remove Pochin from her position and issue an apology on her behalf.
The Mirror has sought a response from Reform UK regarding the controversy. Turley, in a direct message to Farage, demanded a clear stance on the issue and emphasized the need for immediate action in light of the offensive remarks made by Pochin.
