Farage defends MP’s remarks as ugly, not deliberately racist
Nigel Farage has defended comments made by Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin, who said adverts full of Black and Asian people “drives me mad.” Farage described the remarks as ugly and lacking racist intent, arguing that the broader concern lay in what he called a broader DEI, or diversity, equity and inclusion, movement influencing the advertising industry since about 2021.
The exchange reignited debate over race, representation, and free speech in British politics. Pochin’s comments, made during an appearance on TalkTV in response to a caller, drew swift condemnation from Labour’s Keir Starmer, Health Secretary Wes Streeting, Liberal Democrat MPs, and some Conservative MPs who labeled the remarks racist. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also weighed in, suggesting Farage had questions to answer about the incident.
Speaking at a press conference used to push for a parliamentary inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal, Farage said he understood the underlying grievance she was expressing but criticized the way she phrased it. “The words that Sarah Pochin used in response to a caller on TalkRadio on Saturday morning were without doubt ugly and, taken on their own, could be read to be very, very unpleasant indeed,” he stated. He added that if he believed the intention behind her words was racist, he would have acted more decisively.
Farage tied the remarks to a larger critique of what he sees as DEI madness within advertising and society. He argued that the advertising industry has been “going on” with a broad shift since 2021, insinuating that the shift away from traditional representation could provoke discomfort in some segments of the white population. He kept a clear line between disapproval of phrasing and a belief that the comments were driven by hate or racist intent.
Context: DEI and advertising in focus
The controversy sits within a broader conversation about how diversity and representation are discussed in public life and media. Critics argue that attempts to diversify advertising reflect progress toward a more inclusive society, while opponents worry about alienation or stereotyping that could arise from how such campaigns are framed. Farage’s stance reflects a larger political tactic: acknowledging a perceived grievance while condemning overt racism and calling for introspection on the rhetoric used.
Pochin’s remarks, however, were not framed as a casual complaint. She acknowledged that “the viewer is absolutely right,” and asserted that the current representation in advertising did not reflect society. Democratic and Conservative lawmakers who criticized her comments described them as racially charged and divisive, complicating any local attempt to disengage from the issue of representation in public life.
What Farage proposed next
Beyond defending Pochin’s phrasing as ugly but not racist, Farage outlined a plan to involve Parliament directly in addressing long-standing concerns. He announced intentions to propose an inquiry using Parliament’s “extraordinary powers” to investigate the grooming gangs scandal, arguing a broader fight to restore public trust in institutions. The move signaled a shift from partisan sparring to a potential cross-party mechanism for inquiry, albeit in a highly politicized environment.
Farage said he would write to Karen Bradley, chair of the Home Affairs Select Committee, advocating for a subcommittee to be formed to accelerate inquiry into the grooming gangs case. He argued the issue has persisted for decades and has a racial and ethnic dimension, requiring a robust, depoliticized investigative approach involving Parliament, the House of Lords, and a commission to depoliticize the process.
The wider implications
Observers will watch whether Farage’s dual approach—defending a colleague’s remarks while pressing for a high-profile inquiry—can sit comfortably with a public seeking clarity on racism, representation, and political accountability. The episode underscores the continuing fragility of discourse surrounding race in the UK, and how political leaders navigate the line between protecting speech and condemning racism.
Ellie-Ann Reynolds, a survivor of grooming gangs, supported the call to action with Farage, saying she would speak with anyone who could help drive change. The case highlights how individual stories and political strategy intersect in shaping public conversation about race, safety, and the responsibilities of lawmakers.
Conclusion
While Farage rejected the idea that Pochin’s remarks were deliberately racist, he acknowledged the ugliness of the phrasing and linked the incident to broader debates about DEI in advertising. The episode continues to test the political costs of controversial statements and the capacity of Parliament to respond to complex social issues with practical, non-partisan action.
