Reform UK reports ITV to police over undercover racism investigation

Reform UK says it has reported ITV over the broadcaster’s documentary investigation into racist comments within the party. The party also says it intends to pursue damages through the courts.

Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesperson, alleges that the undercover journalists may have broken the law, interfered in elections and caused psychological harm to party members. Police have not announced any investigation.

Allegations about the reporting

Yusuf said two undercover reporters delivered campaign leaflets in Portsmouth wards where Reform UK lost local elections by 24 and 85 votes. He did not claim in his video that the reporters failed to deliver the leaflets, and provided no evidence that they suppressed the Reform vote.

He also alleged that one reporter falsely claimed to share the military background of a Reform member who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Yusuf said the man felt violated after discussing personal experiences with someone he believed was a fellow veteran.

ITV’s response

ITV said it stands by its journalism. The broadcaster said “Undercover: A Year In Reform” was produced in compliance with relevant laws and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code, with journalists working under producer supervision.

The company added that it would fully cooperate if contacted by police. The report says Reform UK has accepted that some people exposed making racist comments should not be in the party, while arguing that they do not represent its wider membership.

Separately, Reform UK was fined more than £2,000 for failing to identify itself as the publisher of campaign material and for paying the penalty late.