No offences committed by Reform activists - police

Essex Police have said no criminal offences were committed by the Reform UK activists who were filmed making offensive and racists comments in a Channel 4 documentary.

The footage included party canvasser Andrew Parker using a racial slur to describe Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and another activist George Jones describing the Pride flag as "degenerate".

Responding to the broadcast of the Channel 4 programme, Essex Police said it was "urgently assessing" the comments.

But, in a statement on Wednesday, Essex Police said it found "no criminal offences" have taken place.

Nigel Farage, who leads Reform UK, has claimed the filming was a "set-up" arguing that Mr Parker was an actor. Channel 4 has said it stands by its "rigorous and duly impartial journalism" adding that it did not know Mr Parker before meeting him at Reform UK party headquarters.

The party has confirmed that Mr Jones volunteered for the party but said he no longer plays a role in the campaign.

On Friday, Mr Sunak responded angrily to the comments by Mr Parker saying it "hurt" that his two daughters had to hear the language used.

"When you see Reform candidates and campaigners, seemingly using racist and misogynistic language and opinions seemingly without challenge, I think it tells you something about the culture within the Reform Party," he said.

The footage also shows Mr Parker describing Islam as "the most disgusting cult out" and suggesting army recruits should carry out “target practice” by shooting at small boats bringing illegal migrants to the UK.

In a statement Mr Parker said "neither Nigel Farage personally or the Reform Party are aware of my personal views on immigration" adding that he apologised "if my personal views have reflected badly on them and brought them into disrepute as this was not my intention".

In the programme, Mr Jones, a long-time party activist, is seen repeatedly describing members of the LGBT+ community as paedophiles.

The BBC has contacted Mr Jones for a comment.