URGENT UPDATE: Reform UK’s London Assembly Members, Alex Wilson and Keith Prince, are facing sharp criticism for their absence at the annual Remembrance Day service held at City Hall on November 10. This significant event commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, with key figures including Mayor of London Sadiq Khan in attendance.
The absence of Wilson and Prince has sparked outrage among political rivals, who argue that all representatives should unite to honor the sacrifices made by armed forces and emergency services. Bassam Mahfouz, Labour’s Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, emphasized that the day is a moment for solidarity, stating, “Their courage binds us as a nation — we will remember them.”
A spokesperson for Reform UK clarified that Wilson is currently in Israel as part of a party delegation, where he visited Commonwealth war graves to pay his respects. Meanwhile, Prince attended two local services and has plans to participate in another event on November 11. He shared a photo on social media with party leader Nigel Farage from a policy speech aimed at supporting small businesses, which took place the same morning.
Emma Best, Deputy Leader of the City Hall Conservatives, criticized the absence, pointing out that this marks the second consecutive year Reform UK members did not attend the service. “Patriotism isn’t a bit. Respect for our country and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice means being present,” she asserted.
Visuals from the City Hall service displayed the attendance of members from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, and the Green Party. Len Duvall, Chair of the London Assembly, underscored the importance of the day, saying, “The 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War reminds us of the debt we owe to those who gave their lives to protect our country.”
This controversy comes as Farage himself also faced backlash for missing the national remembrance service at the Cenotaph, opting instead for a separate event in Walton-on-the-Naze. A spokesperson for Reform UK reiterated their commitment to remembrance, stating that both Assembly Members are dedicated to honoring the fallen, both in the UK and abroad.
As the fallout continues, the focus remains on the implications of their absence and what it signifies for Reform UK’s standing in London’s political landscape. Observers are watching closely as the situation develops, particularly in light of upcoming remembrance events.
For the latest updates and discussions on this developing story, stay tuned and share your thoughts with us.
