Nigel Farage is facing calls to denounce one of his MPs who expressed frustration over the prevalence of Black and Asian individuals in TV adverts. Sarah Pochin, a member of Reform UK, made these comments during a TalkTV appearance when questioned about demographic representation in advertisements.
In response to a caller’s assertion that such ads unfairly targeted white people, the Runcorn and Helsby MP echoed these sentiments. She voiced her discontent, stating, “It bothers me to see advertisements predominantly featuring non-white individuals.”
When pressed further by the host, Peter Cardwell, Pochin stood by her remarks, criticizing what she described as an overwhelming influence of “woke” ideology in television content. She argued that such advertising did not accurately reflect the demographics of society, particularly in regions like Runcorn.
Her statements drew criticism from Anna Turley, Chair of the Labour Party, who demanded clarification from Farage on whether he endorsed Pochin’s views. Turley condemned the focus on skin color in defining British people, characterizing it as divisive and urging Farage to address the issue promptly.
Pochin later clarified her comments, attributing them to a critique of the advertising industry’s emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She expressed regret for any offense caused, emphasizing her intention to highlight the lack of representation of British society as a whole in current advertising practices.
In light of the controversy, the situation underscores ongoing debates surrounding diversity and inclusivity in media and political discourse.