Nigel Farage is facing calls to intervene in a controversial decision by Reform UK’s council leader at Nottingham County Council (NCC) to restrict access for some local journalists. The move, likened to tactics used by Donald Trump, has drawn criticism for contradicting Reform UK’s stance on free speech.
The ban imposed by council leader Mick Barton prohibits certain local reporters from receiving press releases from the party and conducting interviews with him or the 40 elected Reform councillors in the region. This has sparked accusations of hypocrisy, as Reform UK positions itself as a supporter of free speech while limiting media interactions.
Pressure is mounting on Mr. Farage, the leader of Reform UK, to step in and urge Barton to reverse the ban against Nottinghamshire Live/Nottingham Post and journalists from the local democracy reporting service. Union leaders have strongly condemned the ban, labeling it as an attempt to intimidate and control the press.
The restrictions, which will be lifted in emergency situations like floods, were implemented following a news story by Nottinghamshire Live regarding local government restructuring plans. The Reform group at NCC has also threatened similar actions against media outlets it perceives as consistently misrepresenting their politics.
Amidst the backlash, Liberal Democrat spokesperson Max Wilkinson has written to Farage urging him to address the exclusion of media outlets, warning that it may violate the accountability standards expected from elected officials. The move has been criticized as reminiscent of tactics employed by Donald Trump and poses a threat to press freedom and democratic values.
Nottingham Post’s editor, Natalie Fahy, expressed concerns about the ban’s implications for press freedom, emphasizing the importance of media scrutiny in a democracy. She highlighted the need for Farage to address the situation and set a standard for ethical conduct within his party.
Political figures, including Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs, have condemned the ban as an attack on democracy and a dangerous precedent. The National Union of Journalists has also raised alarm, stressing the vital role of the press in holding decision-makers accountable and urging Reform UK to reconsider its actions.
In response to criticisms, a Reform UK spokesperson dismissed the concerns, attributing them to political posturing by rival parties. The ongoing controversy underscores the significance of press freedom and accountability in a democratic society.
