Full Breakdown
Assaults on Female Protesters at the Reform UK Conference and Political Reactions
9/6/2026, 11:11:24 PM
Incident Overview
During the Reform UK conference held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, video footage captured two separate assaults on female protesters. One woman was struck on the head with a crutch, had her hair pulled, and was briefly gagged; another was hit with a walking stick by an older man wearing a “Farage 10” shirt. The assaults were carried out by attendees, not security personnel, and the victims were later escorted from the hall by guards.
Police Investigation
West Midlands Police announced that their enquiries are ongoing and urged the woman involved to come forward. The force provided a contact number and referenced log number 924 dated September 5 for anyone with information. No formal complaint had been recorded at the time of reporting, but police encouraged witnesses to provide statements.
Statements from Politicians
Robert Jenrick, the former Secretary of State for Housing, responded to the footage in a televised interview, dismissing the protesters’ concerns and telling them to “get a life.” Nigel Farage, Reform’s leader, described the media coverage as “one-sided,” arguing that he tolerates disruptive actions such as “milkshakes” being thrown at him while condemning the removal of protesters as “utter nonsense.” Lee Anderson, the party’s chairman, referenced the incident in his speech, joking that delegates could contribute to a “whip round” to purchase a new walking stick for the individual seen using one during the assault.
Activist and Party Commentary
The climate-action group Climate Resistance claimed responsibility for the protest and expressed “horror at the violence” perpetrated by conference attendees. The group also noted that the protester was considering contacting police. Reform supporters in the audience responded to the disruptions by chanting “out, out, out” and repeatedly interrupting Farage’s keynote address.
Context and Implications
The episode highlights tensions between Reform UK’s anti-establishment messaging and the conduct of its own supporters. Police involvement underscores the legal scrutiny of political event security, while the divergent reactions from party leaders and activist groups illustrate internal disagreements over protest tactics and public perception.
