Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has apologised for comments about disabled children, made during a press conference on Tuesday. Tice had previously said that it was 'insanity' for children with special educational needs to wear ear defenders in classrooms, drawing criticism from within the party's own support base.
Speaking at a sparsely attended event in Church House, London, Tice said he wanted to 'begin with an apology'. He attempted to clarify his earlier remarks, stating that he was pleased children were receiving the help they needed and that society should stop thinking of children as disabled, instead viewing them as 'differently abled'. The comment was met with discomfort from the audience, as the term is widely considered patronising by those in the special educational needs community.
Tice's apology came after Reform MP Danny Kruger had faced criticism the previous day for welcoming support from adult film star Bonnie Blue, known for having sex with over 1,000 men in a single day. Kruger, a devout Christian, had said he welcomed her support in a 'non-judgmental way'.
The press conference saw Tice struggling to present a coherent policy platform, veering between promises to turn every church into a special school and to end private-equity-funded education. His remarks were described as descending into 'total incoherence' by observers. Lee Anderson, the party's chief whip, sat stony-faced throughout, appearing unimpressed by Tice's attempts to appeal to those with special educational needs.
