Reform activist who said Muslims cannot be British suspended

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 19, 2026

A Reform UK activist was suspended after a broadcaster’s undercover investigation revealed his anti-Muslim remarks and calls for migrant concentration camps, along with extreme views expressed by other party members. The revelations have sparked scrutiny of the party’s vetting processes and criticism from the Muslim Council of Britain, prompting ongoing investigations and promises of improved candidate screening.

A Reform UK activist who expressed anti-Muslim views and suggested the use of concentration camps for migrants arriving by small boats has been suspended from the party. The suspension follows a year-long undercover investigation by a broadcaster that revealed controversial remarks made by several party members.

Jason Powell, an aspiring parliamentary candidate for Reform UK, was recorded stating that "you cannot be Muslim and British," describing the two identities as incompatible "like oil and water." He also advocated for detaining migrants arriving via the English Channel in concentration camps during the first week of an election. Powell said he had passed the party’s vetting procedures and defended his views as reflecting broader public sentiment rather than extremism.

The investigation included footage from an event nicknamed "Farage Fest," which was held to celebrate Nigel Farage’s recent re-election as an MP. Powell’s comments have raised questions about Reform UK’s candidate screening process. The party acknowledged that despite improvements to vetting, some individuals with objectionable views can initially pass through, noting that no vetting system can fully predict future remarks.

In addition to Powell, two Reform councillors in Hounslow, west London, were filmed expressing extreme views on sentencing grooming-gang offenders. Councillor Adam Parkins reportedly endorsed public executions, while fellow councillor David Kerr suggested mass shootings of offenders. Reform UK stated these were personal opinions voiced in private conversation and that no disciplinary action would be taken against them, though investigations are underway for inappropriate behaviour among members.

The party’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, condemned the broadcaster’s methods, accusing the investigators of potentially criminal conduct, including falsifying information to gain employment within Reform’s headquarters.

The Muslim Council of Britain criticized the party’s handling of the issue, saying the suspension of individual members amounted to little. The group highlighted a broader concern over the "culture of hatred" that has been allowed to develop and become mainstream within Reform UK.

Reform UK has stated that it is taking steps to investigate the matter fully, emphasizing the need for due process before taking further action, while reaffirming its commitment to improving candidate vetting and upholding the party’s stated values.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.