Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin apologises for comments on adverts' racial representation

Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin has apologized for comments she made on TalkTV expressing frustration over advertisements featuring many Black and Asian people, stating her remarks were "phrased poorly." She argued that such adverts are "unrepresentative of British society" and blamed the advertising industry's focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for this trend. Pochin's remarks sparked significant backlash, with Labour Party chairwoman Anna Turley condemning the comments as "completely unacceptable" and demanding Reform UK leader Nigel Farage clarify whether such views are acceptable within the party. Pochin later reiterated her apology, emphasizing that her intent was to criticize what she called the advertising world being "DEI mad," not to cause offense. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions around representation and race in British media and politics, with critics accusing Reform UK of fostering division through such statements. Farage has yet to publicly comment or condemn Pochin's views.