Reform UK conference criticized
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The gist
Reform UK banned journalists from its conference after critical coverage. Critics say the party shows disdain for democratic norms.
Background
Reform UK's annual conference in Birmingham faced criticism after it banned several journalists from attending, including those from The Guardian and other outlets. This follows a summer of funding scandals and an undercover investigation by Channel 4 News alleging officials plotted to break foreign donation laws. The party also faced criticism for its handling of protesters and climate change remarks.
How it unfolded
- Sep 1, 2026Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader, says the UK must adapt to climate change, drawing criticism for previous comments about enjoying hot weather.
- Sep 3, 2026Channel 4 News broadcasts an undercover investigation showing Reform officials appearing to plot to avoid electoral laws on foreign donations. The Guardian reports on this.
- Sep 3, 2026The National reports that several journalists, including Anna Isaac, Peter Geoghegan, and Michael Crick, were banned from Reform's conference.
- Sep 4, 2026Jordan Bardella, leader of France's National Rally, speaks at the Reform conference, saying Europe's immigration wave is 'only the beginning'.
- Sep 6, 2026Reform UK criticises police over alleged security lapses at the conference, while a clip shows Reform audience pulling a protester's hair.
Who’s saying what
- Critics
- Critics say banning journalists who have scrutinised the party is concerning and shows disdain for democratic norms.
- Reform UK
- Reform UK claims the undercover videos are edited and incomplete, and criticises police over security lapses.
Still unverified
The exact number of journalists banned is unknown; Michael Crick said he knew of at least eight rejects. Allegations of foreign donation law-breaking are based on undercover footage that Reform UK claims is edited.