Arabic version: هيئة المساواة تطلب رداً من حزب «ريفورم» بشأن تصريحات في وثائقي

According to The Guardian, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has written to Reform UK after an undercover ITV documentary showed councillors and candidates expressing racist and misogynistic views. The watchdog asked Nigel Farage’s party for information, including what action it is taking to comply with the Equality Act.

The EHRC said it received complaints alleging unlawful activity under the Equality Act 2010 following Undercover: A Year in Reform, broadcast in October. The complaints included concerns about racial and sexual remarks made by councillors, prospective councillors and members, the commission said.

Footage cited in the report included Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull, making remarks about Asian homeowners, Islam and the proportion of Britain’s population that could be non-white. Other candidates were recorded making comments of extreme violence and sharing misogynistic and racist views. Reform MP Sarah Pochin was shown describing the party as “chauvinistic” and riven with “alpha male shit”.

The EHRC said political parties, like all duty-bearers, must comply with the Equality Act and take steps to avoid discrimination or harassment on grounds including race, religion or belief, and sex. It said parties could review policies or practices for potential discrimination, harassment or victimisation. Reform said it had reported ITV and the reporters concerned to police and had separately threatened civil legal action against the broadcaster. A party spokesperson said Reform was confident it had complied with its Equality Act obligations and that there was “no room for racism in Reform UK”.