Full Breakdown
Assaults at Reform UK Conference Prompt Police Probe
9/9/2026, 4:45:57 PM
Core Event
West Midlands Police opened an investigation after five assaults were recorded at Reform UK’s conference in Birmingham on September 4. Video footage shows a female climate activist being struck on the head with a crutch, having her hair pulled, and a hand placed over her mouth while a grey-haired man appears to assault her. A second woman is seen pulling the demonstrator’s hair as security escorts her from the hall. Police noted that several attendees were removed by other members of the public during the incident.
Background & Context
The conference was intended to showcase the party’s agenda and move past recent controversies, including a £5 million donation and Nigel Farage’s planned by-election contest against Count Binface. The violent episode quickly dominated media coverage, eclipsing the party’s messaging.
Official Statements & Responses
West Midlands Police confirmed the investigation, urging anyone with information to contact investigators via 101 or the force’s live-chat service. The force emphasized that no victims had yet come forward and that names of alleged participants were circulating online, warning the public not to speculate.
Reform UK’s economic spokesperson Robert Jenrick dismissed criticism of the incident, describing the reaction as “boohoo” and suggesting that attendees accept the risk of disruption at a party conference.
Party leader Nigel Farage later told ITV that the event had been “ruined” by a few individuals and called the ensuing criticism “utter nonsense.”
Data & Statistics
- Assaults investigated: five (occurred September 4)
- Victim reports: none have been received to date
- Video circulation: clips spread widely on social media, prompting police to request restraint on speculation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Oh boohoo. Get a life. You take your chances if you go to a party conference and try to mess it up.” — Robert Jenrick, uk's economic spokesperson
- “We would urge people not to speculate about the identity of those involved, but to pass any relevant information to our investigators. All of the information is being reviewed, and we are in touch with the security team who were working at the event. Article continues below” — Midlands Police
