In a critical by-election battleground, some women are hesitant to venture out of their homes due to the messaging promoted by Reform UK, a candidate from the Labour Party has cautioned. Angeliki Stogia, representing Labour in the Gorton and Denton by-election, criticized Reform’s candidate, Matthew Goodwin, for what she described as “demonizing immigrants” during a recent event in Manchester.
During a fiery exchange, Ms. Stogia confronted Mr. Goodwin for having security personnel accompany him on the campaign trail while women in the area feel fearful due to the party’s divisive stance. The upcoming February 26 contest is a significant challenge for Keir Starmer as Reform UK aims to cause an upset in the traditionally Labour-held seat, with the Green Party also vying to attract left-wing voters. The campaign has escalated with allegations of misinformation and polarizing politics.
At a panel event hosted by the Manchester Evening News, the by-election candidates clashed over whether the policies of Donald Trump’s ICE could influence UK immigration. Mr. Goodwin avoided directly addressing the ICE question, instead focusing on his views regarding immigrant accommodation and housing issues, leading to a heated exchange with Ms. Stogia.
Nadia Siddiqui, who heads the Women’s Voices organization in Manchester and was present at a meeting with Ms. Stogia, highlighted the fear among diverse women following racial tensions. She expressed how women have been intimidated, harassed, and felt threatened, especially due to their appearance and ethnicity.
Ms. Siddiqui emphasized that Reform’s rhetoric of sending immigrants back to their countries of origin has instilled fear among the community, drawing parallels to past racist incidents in the area. She shared her personal apprehension despite her long-standing residency and community involvement.
During the hustings, Mr. Goodwin defended his positions by referring to the grooming scandals and raised concerns about women’s safety. He justified the need for security due to perceived threats in certain areas, calling for a responsible dialogue on integration and societal challenges.
In response to a question about ICE’s influence, Green candidate Hannah Spencer voiced concerns about aligning with Trump’s policies and the impact on immigrant communities. Liberal Democrat candidate Jackie Pearcey strongly condemned ICE’s actions in the US, emphasizing the need to uphold human rights and reject any similar approaches in the UK.
The ongoing by-election campaign continues to intensify, reflecting broader national debates on immigration, security, and social cohesion. The community remains divided, with contrasting visions and strategies being debated by the candidates as the election day approaches.
