Story perspectives

MP's Tartan Burqa Joke Sparks Backlash and Racism Claims

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sarah Pochin (Reform UK MP) faced backlash after joking about a tartan burqa at Reform's Scottish launch.
The remarks followed an autocue malfunction and drew condemnation from Labour.
Labour highlighted Pochin's prior remarks about minorities in media, signaling concern about Reform UK's direction.
Critics described the comments as racist and said they indicate Reform UK's shift to the right, linking them to calls by another Reform candidate to ban burqas.

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Story summary

Sarah Pochin (Reform UK MP) faced backlash after joking about a tartan burqa at Reform's Scottish launch.
The remarks followed an autocue malfunction and drew condemnation from Labour.
Labour highlighted Pochin's prior remarks about minorities in media, signaling concern about Reform UK's direction.
Critics described the comments as racist and said they indicate Reform UK's shift to the right, linking them to calls by another Reform candidate to ban burqas.