UK's Reform Party Picked a 'Racist' to Lead Student Organisation Amid Controversy Over Immigration Comments.
The far-right UK Reform party has been slammed after appointing Matthew Goodwin, a vocal critic of immigration, as the honorary president of its new student organisation. Goodwin has sparked outrage with his comments on Twitter, saying that people born and raised in the UK from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily "British." He also linked mass migration to violent crimes, claiming that immigrants who hold British passports but retain cultural ties to their countries of origin pose a threat to integration.
Critics have accused Reform UK's leader Nigel Farage of tolerating racism within his party. Max Wilkinson, the Liberal Democrats' home affairs spokesperson, described Goodwin's rhetoric as "abhorrent" and "predictable." Wilkinson urged Farage to strip Goodwin of his role immediately, warning that continued support would confirm that the party actively embraces bigotry.
In response, Goodwin denied labeling himself racist, arguing that the term is often used to discredit legitimate concerns about immigration. The Labour Party echoed Wilkinson's call, saying that Farage must make clear that language promoting racial hatred has no place in Reform UK.
Reform UK was contacted for comment but did not respond.
The far-right UK Reform party has been slammed after appointing Matthew Goodwin, a vocal critic of immigration, as the honorary president of its new student organisation. Goodwin has sparked outrage with his comments on Twitter, saying that people born and raised in the UK from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily "British." He also linked mass migration to violent crimes, claiming that immigrants who hold British passports but retain cultural ties to their countries of origin pose a threat to integration.
Critics have accused Reform UK's leader Nigel Farage of tolerating racism within his party. Max Wilkinson, the Liberal Democrats' home affairs spokesperson, described Goodwin's rhetoric as "abhorrent" and "predictable." Wilkinson urged Farage to strip Goodwin of his role immediately, warning that continued support would confirm that the party actively embraces bigotry.
In response, Goodwin denied labeling himself racist, arguing that the term is often used to discredit legitimate concerns about immigration. The Labour Party echoed Wilkinson's call, saying that Farage must make clear that language promoting racial hatred has no place in Reform UK.
Reform UK was contacted for comment but did not respond.