Reform UK and GB News - missing in action.

I remember when I was a student having this poster up on my wall.

So here are two things that struck me about the Tommy Robinson led patriotic rally in London that took place on Saturday which had my Spidey-senses a tingling.

First of all, where was Reform UK? Where was Nigel Farage or Richard Tice of any of the rest of those who posture as the “new face of the British centre-right?” Answer - nowhere to be seen. Why might this be? Are they afraid to be pictured at a large peaceful public rally of patriotic Brits? Did they feel that being just being seen with Tommy Robinson would damage their electoral chances and if so, why might that be? Are they so desperate to be accepted by the very Establishment that they claim to want to oppose? Reform will not return so much as 1 MP on July 4th so why the obvious anxiety to be seen even tweeting support for those protesting about two-tier policing in London?

Nigel Farage also hosts a a show on GB News. GB News brands itself, laughably, as “the home of free speech”. So where was its coverage of this big event happening in the heart of London not far from its studios? Where were the interviews with the main players, seeking to explain what it was all about to intrigued viewers? The answer is that GB News was nowhere to be seen. What might THAT tell you about GB News?

There is a point of view that suggests that Reform/GB News are simply controlled limited hangouts. I have seen nothing these past few years to challenge that perspective!