A recent poll reveals a startling stance among Reform UK members, with over half advocating for the deportation or departure of non-white British citizens born abroad. This finding comes amidst a political landscape where Reform leader Nigel Farage navigates a delicate balance between appealing to centre-ground voters and managing pressure from his right-wing faction. The poll, conducted by Survation and published by the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate (HnH), sheds light on the party's internal divisions.
The survey, which surveyed 629 Reform members between January 29 and February 16, uncovered a concerning trend. 54% of respondents believed that non-white British citizens born abroad should be forcibly removed or encouraged to leave. This sentiment extended to non-white citizens whose parents were born in the UK, with 22% supporting similar measures. The findings highlight a potential shift in the party's stance, as Farage attempts to appeal to a broader electorate.
The HnH report, titled 'State of Hate', warns of the rise of explicitly racial nationalism within Reform UK. This ideology, which defines English identity in terms of 'blood and ancestry', has gained traction among party members. The report emphasizes the dangerous implications of this shift, particularly the concept of 'remigration', which echoes ideas of ethnic cleansing and forced repatriation in a more bureaucratic guise.
The poll also revealed a positive view of two of Farage's rivals on the right: Rupert Lowe and Tommy Robinson. Two-thirds of Reform members held a favorable opinion of Lowe, who has launched his own party, Restore Britain, advocating for mass deportations. HnH's monitoring of the far-right movement underscores the growing influence of racial nationalism, with a quarter of the British population showing positive associations with Robinson's movement.
The HnH report further highlights the surge in anti-migrant protests, particularly in areas housing asylum seekers. The group's tracking of 251 such demonstrations throughout 2025 indicates a persistent and concerning trend. As the summer approaches, the report warns of a potential surge in anti-migrant activity, raising serious questions about public sentiment and the role of political parties in shaping public discourse.
