📷 Image Credits: NDTV
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his anger following a racist slur directed at him by a supporter of Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party. The incident occurred during a campaign event in Clacton, Essex, where Conservative Party candidate Farage is standing to be an MP. An undercover investigation by Channel 4 News captured Andrew Parker, a canvasser for Reform UK, using the derogatory term ‘P***’ in reference to Sunak, the first ethnic minority prime minister of Britain.
Sunak, campaigning for the upcoming national election on July 4, expressed his hurt and anger at the racial slur. He stated that his daughters had to witness individuals from the Reform Party calling him derogatory terms, highlighting the impact of such language on his family. Sunak emphasized the importance of addressing such behavior, particularly in a political context, and condemned the use of racist and misogynistic language by campaigners.
Farage, the leader of Reform UK, initially distanced himself from the comments, describing them as ‘appalling.’ However, he later suggested that the incident was a ‘set-up’ without providing evidence to support his claims. The controversy has sparked discussions about the culture within the Reform Party, as various candidates have been embroiled in controversies involving racist or offensive remarks.
As the election campaign progresses, Sunak has emphasized the need to hold individuals and parties accountable for their actions and statements. He criticized Farage for his comments regarding Western actions in relation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, labeling such statements as damaging and inappropriate. The incident involving the racial slur has drawn attention to the challenges of vetting candidates in the Reform Party and the need for a more inclusive and respectful political environment.
Despite the efforts of Sunak and other political figures to address extremism and offensive language in politics, the incident underscores the divisive nature of some campaign tactics. Sunak’s response to the racial slur reflects his commitment to confronting discrimination and fostering a more inclusive society, highlighting the complexities of political discourse in the context of identity and diversity.
