UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Reform UK welcomed ex-Tory Rupert Matthews, a ghost and UFO author, drawing mockery amid criticism of the party’s credibility and priorities.
As reported by The Independent, Reform UK faced backlash after naming a police and crime commissioner, also known for his paranormal claims, as its latest defector, raising concerns over the party’s credibility.
Who just joined Reform UK with UFO beliefs?
Rupert Matthews, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire and Rutland, officially joined Reform UK on Monday after leaving the Conservative Party.
He previously served two years in the European Parliament as a Conservative MEP. He has also authored books on ghosts, aliens, and the paranormal.
What did Rupert Matthews say about Britain’s ‘failed state’ policies?
At a press conference in London, Rupert Matthews criticised the criminal justice system, calling for the removal of what he described as the “dark heart of wokeness.” He claimed British politicians had borrowed ideas from countries like Lebanon and Libya.
He stated,
“It’s almost as if they’ve looked at countries like Lebanon and Libya, the policies that have led to them becoming failed states and thought ‘that looks good, let’s try that here in Britain.’”
Mr Matthews said,
“The self-serving, self-entitled liberal elite who have let our country down time after time after time, are now on notice. Their day is almost done. Be they Conservative or Labour governments, everyone knows our politicians have failed us all.”
He stated,
“They have let this country down. They have let the British people down. Enough. Now is the time for Reform.”
Mr Matthews added,
“I daily face a fight against crime. I see ordinary, hard-working people burgled, robbed and mugged. Shoplifting is getting out of control. Anti-social behaviour is turning too many of our town centres into an apocalyptic wasteland of lawless Britain.”
What did Vanessa Frake-Harris say about the prison crisis?
Vanessa Frake-Harris, a retired prison governor, has joined Reform UK and will play a central role in shaping its law and order task force.
She began her prison service career in 1986 and has witnessed a sharp surge in incidents over the past year, including increased escapes, attacks on officers, and smuggling of drugs and phones.
She stated,
“Successive governments, Conservative and Labour, have driven the prison service to its knees. Through a lack of investment, support and an unwillingness to allow people who know what they are doing to get the job done.”
Ms Frake-Harris added,
“Our prisons are in a crisis caused by Labour and the Conservatives. What have their solutions been? They have let out 10,000 prisoners out of jail early. To let criminals out of jail before they even serve their full sentence is a disgrace.”
What did Labour say about Rupert Matthews joining Reform UK?
A Labour insider stated,
“It’s not just the ghost of Tory past that is swelling the Reform ranks. Their latest recruit, Rupert Matthews, peddles alien conspiracy theories and believes the removal of abortion rights overseas is a ‘triumph’ for democracy.”
A Labour spokesperson added,
“It’s farcical that Farage can’t say what his policies are, how much they would cost, or how they would even work. Reforms aren’t serious and don’t have a clue as to how they would address the challenges facing working people.”
They added,
“If Reform really wanted to crack down on crime, their MPs should have backed Labour’s tough new laws to introduce stronger sentences for grooming offenders, mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, and stricter penalties for antisocial behaviour. While Farage shouts from the sidelines, Labour is taking the tough action needed to make our streets safer.”
What did Nigel Farage say about naming charged individuals?
Nigel Farage has urged police to disclose the identity and immigration status of individuals once they are charged with a crime.
He added,
“I absolutely think that they should, and I think particularly given there is a pretty febrile atmosphere around these areas, particularly sexual assaults and rapes where the temperature of this debate has risen significantly, yes I do believe they should.”
Mr Farage said,
“The supermax prisons, have we costed it? Have we thought it through? It is a debate. The point about this task force is we are starting a debate, and we would rather like it to become a full public debate too.”
What did Chris Philp say about Reform UK’s crime plan?
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, stated,
“Reform are doodling fantasy prisons on the back of a pub napkin.”
He said,
“Once again, Nigel Farage has made wild promises to the British public but completely failed to set out how he intends to pay for any of them. Empty words, zero plan, and not a shred of credibility.”
Mr Philp added,
“Only the Conservatives, under new leadership, believe in sound money, zero tolerance on crime, and serious leadership. Britain deserves better than this façade.”