A recent poll has unveiled alarming sentiments within the ranks of Reform UK, revealing that over half of its members believe non-white British citizens born abroad should either be deported or encouraged to leave the UK. The survey, conducted by the polling company Survation between January 29 and February 16, captured responses from 629 members of the party led by Nigel Farage, who is currently navigating his political landscape amidst pressures from both moderate and extreme factions.
The findings, published by the anti-racism organization Hope Not Hate (HnH), indicate that 54% of Reform UK members support the idea of forcibly removing or encouraging non-white British citizens born abroad to leave. Furthermore, the poll revealed that 22% of members also favor similar actions against non-white citizens whose parents were born in the UK. This stark perspective highlights a growing division within the party as Farage seeks to attract centrist voters while also contending with hardline elements. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Rising Tensions Within Reform UK
The survey results come at a time when Reform UK is facing significant internal strife, particularly following the departure of party member Rupert Lowe, who recently launched a more hardline party named Restore Britain. This new party advocates for mass deportations and has gained traction among some of Reform's core supporters. Notably, two-thirds of those surveyed expressed a positive view of Lowe, indicating a potential shift in allegiance within the party as members gravitate towards more extreme views.
Nick Lowles, the chief executive of Hope Not Hate, commented on the findings, emphasizing that the dilution of Reform's policies to appeal to moderate voters could lead to disillusionment among its more extremist members. He stated, "With a dilution of Reform's policies to win more moderate voters, or if they were to form a government, you could see a number of their members becoming quite disillusioned." This sentiment underscores the precarious balance Farage must maintain to unify his party.
Emerging Racial Nationalism Within the Party
Hope Not Hate's report raises alarms about the rise of a more explicit racial nationalism within the UK, particularly as it relates to English identity, which some members are defining through notions of "blood and ancestry." The report specifically warns against the term "remigration," which it suggests repackages older ideas of ethnic cleansing and forced repatriation in a more bureaucratic manner. This shift towards racial nationalism is troubling, as it indicates that such extremist views are increasingly becoming mainstream, buoyed by the support of parties like Reform UK.
HnH highlights the influence of far-right activists in shaping public discourse around race and identity, particularly in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement. Recent comments from Reform UK figures, including Matthew Goodwin and Suella Braverman, have further fueled these divisive narratives. Goodwin's assertion that UK-born individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily British exemplifies this troubling trend.
Impact of Anti-Migrant Sentiments
The report also draws attention to the increasing frequency of anti-migrant protests across the UK, noting a surge in such demonstrations since last summer. With 251 anti-migrant protests tracked throughout 2025, the report warns that these events are likely to proliferate as the warmer months approach. The protests have garnered substantial public support, with a quarter of the British population reportedly identifying positively with the far-right movements associated with figures like Tommy Robinson.
Robinson, who is currently in the US, has gained visibility and support from prominent right-wing figures, further emboldening his movement. As he prepares for another rally, the potential for heightened tensions and protests looms large, particularly given the persistence of anti-migrant sentiments that have captured the attention of many in recent months.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the findings from this poll illustrate a significant and disturbing trend within Reform UK. With internal divisions becoming more apparent and the influence of extremist viewpoints growing, the party faces a critical juncture that could reshape its identity and impact on British politics.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.