Reform UK Member of Parliament Sarah Pochin has issued an apology for any offense caused by her remarks criticizing advertisements featuring Black and Asian individuals. Following significant backlash, Pochin clarified that her comments were poorly articulated and not intended to offend anyone.
Despite the controversy, the Runcorn and Helsby MP stood by her assertion that many ads do not accurately represent British society. The dispute arose during a TalkTV phone-in when Pochin responded to a caller named Stuart, who expressed dissatisfaction with the diversity in advertising.
Pochin agreed with Stuart, stating that it frustrates her to see ads predominantly featuring Black and Asian individuals, arguing that such portrayals do not reflect the broader British population. She suggested that the advertising industry’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has led to a lack of representation for the average white family, particularly in northern towns like Runcorn.
In a subsequent statement, Pochin attempted to clarify her stance, emphasizing that she was criticizing the advertising industry’s excessive emphasis on DEI initiatives. She expressed regret for any offense caused and vowed to be more precise in her language in the future.
However, Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley criticized Pochin’s remarks, describing them as divisive and unacceptable for focusing on individuals’ skin color in defining British identity. Turley called on Nigel Farage to denounce Pochin’s views on race and clarify the party’s stance on such statements.
