Tory leadership hopeful Mel Stride has criticised Nigel Farage, saying his comments after the Southport attack were “wrong and misguided”.
The Reform UK leader posted a video on X on Tuesday – before the riots broke out – questioning the police assessment that Monday’s knife attack was not terror related.
Speaking on GB News, Stride said the Clacton MP’s comments did little to help the situation.
Asked whether it was right for anti-racism protesters to set up stall outside Reform UK’s headquarters yesterday, he said: “I think if there are peaceful demonstrations, that is fine in general.
Mel Stride hit out at Nigel Farage GB NEWS / PA
“I have been very vocal on Nigel Farage. He has been very wrong and misguided to have questioned the truthfulness of the police around that awful situation in Southport.”
He was then asked by Camilla whether he would brand Farage “far-right”, to which he said he would not go that far, but he feels the Reform leader is a “populist”.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Protesters have made Nigel Farage the subject of their ire X / CHARLIE PETERS / GB NEWSAsked again about the demonstrations, Stride said: “If there is peaceful protest, there is peaceful protest.
“This is a country that allows free speech and protest and we should stand by that.”
Thousands of anti-racism protesters gathered outside Reform’s headquarters with some accusing Nigel of spreading “dangerous rhetoric”.
The GB News star has denied claims he helped instigate the riots, instead suggesting the police’s silence was the biggest contributor.
Reform UK leader Nigel FaragePA
Organisers said the turnout of about 5,000 people showed the depth of support for refugees and other minority groups targeted in recent disorder, amid fears of further violence this weekend.
GB News’s Charlie Peters and his camera crew were the subject of some protesters’ ire.
Some were heard chanting “GB News – off our streets” while Charlie reported on the demonstration.
One protester was even seen hitting a member of the GB News crew as tensions boiled over.
Violent anti-immigration riots took place last weekend GettyA Met Police spokesperson said: “It is important that the press are able to report freely, including at protests, without being subject to harassment, abuse or intimidation.
“The footage released appears to show a protester trying to obstruct a GB News camera crew as they reported, by putting his hand up to the lens.
“As he does so, a man who was working as security for the camera crew intervenes and pushes him away.
“Officers moved in quickly to prevent any further escalation.
“No allegations were made at the time and both parties went their separate ways.
“We have confirmed with GB News that they do not wish to take the matter further.”