A recent poll has revealed a concerning stance among Reform UK members, with over half expressing support for the deportation or departure of non-white British citizens born abroad. This finding comes amidst a backdrop of political tension and the party's attempts to appeal to a broader electorate. The survey, conducted by Survation and commissioned by the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate (HnH), sheds light on the potential disillusionment among Reform's membership. As the party navigates a delicate balance between its traditional policies and the need to attract more moderate voters, the poll highlights a significant shift in sentiment. With a significant portion of members advocating for harsher immigration policies, the party's leadership faces a challenging task in maintaining unity and appealing to a wider audience. The poll's findings also draw attention to the rise of explicitly racial nationalist sentiments within the party, as evidenced by the support for figures like Rupert Lowe and Tommy Robinson, who advocate for mass deportations and a strict definition of English identity based on 'blood and ancestry'. The anti-racism group, HnH, warns of the dangerous implications of these views, which could lead to ethnic cleansing and forced repatriation under a different guise. The poll's release coincides with the publication of HnH's annual 'State of Hate' report, which highlights the increasing mainstream acceptance of extreme racial nationalist views, particularly within Reform UK and its media allies. The survey also uncovers a link between the party's stance on identity and the backlash against Black Lives Matter, with figures like Matthew Goodwin and Suella Braverman espousing racially charged views. Goodwin, in particular, sparked controversy by stating that UK-born people from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily British, a claim that was not disowned by the party. The poll's timing is significant, as it comes on the heels of a wave of anti-migrant protests, including a large demonstration in Epping, which has persisted through the winter months. With a quarter of the British population showing positive sentiment towards Robinson's movement, the party's leadership must carefully consider the implications of these poll results and the potential impact on its public image and electoral success.
