Reform UK is facing fresh controversy after a would-be MP was filmed saying asylum seekers should be put in concentration camps and that Muslims cannot be British. The comments were made to an undercover reporter as part of an ITV investigation that has already rocked the party.
The footage, due to be broadcast on Sunday, shows a Reform activist and aspiring MP describing himself as “pretty hardline about Islam.” He told the reporter: “If a Muslim’s prepared to de-convert, I’m happy. But if they want to remain faithful to Islam, then this would be, I would have disagreements... you cannot be a Muslim and British... it’s like oil and water.”
Discussing people crossing the Channel in small boats, the same activist said: “In the first week of election, build concentration camps, and everyone who comes across on the Channel, you’re in there.” The individual has not yet been publicly identified.
Reform UK’s Response to the Undercover Footage
Reform UK said it had opened investigations where activists or members had “clearly behaved inappropriately,” adding there was “no room for racism” in the party. The party has not yet commented specifically on the concentration camp remarks.
The investigation has already led to accusations of “appalling behaviour” and “extreme racism” within Reform’s ranks. Earlier excerpts included councillors and candidates using racist language, with black children referred to as “animals” in one clip.

This is not the first time Reform has faced allegations of racism. The party, led by Nigel Farage, has consistently denied tolerating racist views among its members and candidates. However, the repeated emergence of such footage raises questions about vetting and party culture.
Why These Comments Matter
The suggestion of concentration camps for asylum seekers is deeply inflammatory, evoking the horrors of the Holocaust and other genocides. It goes far beyond typical political debate on immigration and into territory that many would consider incitement to hatred.
The claim that Muslims cannot be British is also a direct attack on the citizenship of millions of British Muslims. It contradicts the fundamental principle that British identity is not tied to any single religion or ethnicity. Such rhetoric risks normalising Islamophobia and emboldening extremists.
For a candidate seeking elected office, these remarks are particularly alarming. They suggest that, if given power, such individuals would pursue policies that violate human rights and equal treatment under the law.
Who Is Affected by This Scandal?
The immediate impact is on Britain’s Muslim communities and asylum seekers, who are already vulnerable to hostility. The comments send a chilling message that some political figures view them as less than human.
Reform UK’s supporters and moderate members may also feel betrayed. Many are drawn to the party for its stance on issues like immigration control, not for extremism. The scandal could damage the party’s credibility and electoral prospects.
More broadly, the incident affects the tone of British politics. When candidates feel comfortable expressing such views, it lowers the bar for public discourse and can lead to real-world consequences, including hate crimes.
What to Watch Next
The full ITV investigation airs on Sunday, and further revelations may follow. Reform UK’s internal investigations will be scrutinised for their seriousness and outcomes. Will the individuals involved be expelled, or will the party merely issue statements? The background to this story is set out in UK Polling Firm Investigations: Reform UK Election Law Scandal. A related thread runs through Karen Makes A Big Mistake By Calling The Manager When Already Talking To Manager.
Other parties will likely seize on the footage to attack Reform’s credentials. The episode could also prompt calls for stricter vetting of candidates across all parties. And for voters, it raises a stark question: what kind of behaviour are they willing to tolerate from those seeking their support? Earlier coverage in Female Asylum Seekers Report Sexual Assaults by British Men shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in English Nationalist Filmmakers Breach Asylum Seekers' Home.
As the story develops, Grand Goldman will continue to provide updates and analysis. For more on related political controversies, see our coverage of the Reform UK racism scandal. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Manager Keeps Calling Employee To Come In Even Though They Have Quit Long Time Ago. The same theme surfaces in Swedish Opposition Vows to Help Britons Facing Deportation, which takes a different angle.
- Undercover footage shows a Reform UK candidate calling for concentration camps for asylum seekers.
- The same individual said Muslims cannot be British, describing Islam as incompatible with British identity.
- Reform UK says it has opened investigations and insists there is “no room for racism” in the party.
- The comments are part of a wider ITV investigation that has already exposed racist language among Reform councillors and candidates.
- The scandal raises questions about vetting, party culture, and the potential normalisation of extremism in UK politics.
Comparing the Reactions
| Party | Official Response | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|
| Reform UK | “No room for racism” | Opened investigations into members |
| Labour | Condemned the remarks as “appalling” | Called for Reform to take action |
| Conservatives | Described the comments as “extreme” | Urged voters to reject such politics |
| Liberal Democrats | Called for an investigation | Highlighted the dangers of such rhetoric |
FAQ
What did the Reform UK candidate say about asylum seekers?
The candidate said that in the first week of election, the government should “build concentration camps” and put everyone who crosses the Channel in them.
What was Reform UK’s response?
Reform UK said it had opened investigations where activists or members had “clearly behaved inappropriately” and stated there is “no room for racism” in the party.
Why are these comments considered offensive?
The suggestion of concentration camps is deeply offensive due to its association with the Holocaust and other atrocities. Saying Muslims cannot be British denies the citizenship and belonging of millions of British Muslims.
What happens next?
The full ITV investigation will air on Sunday, and Reform UK’s internal investigations will be closely watched. The scandal is likely to fuel further debate about extremism in politics.
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