Nigel Farage holds a press briefing amidst mounting pressure to suspend a Reform MP who expressed frustration at diverse advertisements. The Reform leader, accompanied by grooming gangs survivor Ellie Reynolds in London, witnessed her resignation from the survivors panel, citing the investigation as “corrupt.” Farage hinted at a potential “solution” to the ongoing probe issues.
The conference follows inquiries concerning Sarah Pochin, who recently issued an apology for her controversial remarks on TalkTV. Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized Farage for not reprimanding Pochin, while Deputy PM David Lammy called for her dismissal.
Farage expressed discontent with Pochin’s statements but refrained from labeling them as racist. He acknowledged the unpleasant nature of her words and attributed them to the broader context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) controversies in the advertising sector.
Calling for Parliament to establish its own inquiry into grooming gangs, Farage proposed engaging with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and contacting the Home Affairs Select Committee to leverage Parliament’s investigative powers. He emphasized the opportunity for Parliament to regain public trust amid dwindling patience.
Reynolds, a resigned panel member, criticized the grooming gangs inquiry setup, highlighting the neglect of survivors’ voices and avoidance of addressing perpetrators’ ethnicities. She specifically questioned the suitability of the leading chair candidates, a social worker and a police officer, stating survivors felt overlooked by individuals from those professions.
Regarding the grooming gangs scandal, Farage condemned it as a stain on the nation’s history, questioning Kemi Badenoch’s credibility and the government’s handling of the situation. The Liberal Democrats introduced a censure motion in Parliament condemning Pochin’s remarks and calling for Farage to revoke support.
Farage announced plans to present a “solution” for the failing grooming gangs investigation in an upcoming briefing. The probe has encountered numerous challenges, including survivor resignations and delays in appointing a new chairperson.
Scheduled for 2 pm, Farage’s press conference aims to address criticisms over his silence following the Reform MP’s controversial remarks on diverse advertisements. Labour Party Chair Anna Turley demanded an explanation for Farage’s lack of response to Pochin’s comments, labeling her statements as disgraceful and highlighting his unresponsiveness.
