Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin has faced widespread criticism after posting a video on social media suggesting that England should continue winning football matches to ensure women's safety. The video, shared on X, came a day after England's 4-2 victory over Croatia in the World Cup.
Controversial Video Sparks Outrage
In the video, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby said: "England won the football last night, and thank goodness they did. Because on the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidences of domestic violence go through the roof. So boys, keep winning."
Her comments drew immediate backlash from domestic abuse charities and politicians, who argued that such statements undermine efforts to address domestic violence.
Charities Respond
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women's Aid, stated: "Football does not cause domestic abuse – it is a choice that is made by the abuser, time and again, regardless of whether a team wins or loses a match. It is irresponsible to suggest that a team's success is responsible for whether a man commits domestic abuse or not."
A spokesperson for Refuge added: "Refuge is deeply concerned by a highly inappropriate social media post from Sarah Pochin MP suggesting that England should win more men's football World Cup matches to reduce domestic abuse. This is not only misleading, but could allow perpetrators to evade accountability."
London MPs Condemn Remarks
Bell Ribeiro-Addy, MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, wrote on X: "Thank you @reformparty_uk for setting the campaign against domestic violence back about 40 years."
Barking MP Nesil Caliskan labelled the video a "disgrace" and said: "For the sake of women's safety, Reform politicians should stop suggesting that men can't help it when they hit women if their team lose a football match."
Aspana Begum, MP for Poplar and Limehouse, commented: "Football doesn't cause abuse. Abuse does and abusers do. England winning, losing or drawing only increases domestic abuse incidents. Why does any of this need saying? Because messages like the below only help to setback progress to eliminate violence against women and girls."
Research on Domestic Violence and Football
Research indicates that domestic violence incidents rise by around 38% when England loses a match in a major tournament and by 26% when they win or draw. However, charities stress that football is not the cause, and perpetrators alone are responsible.
Reform UK's Stance
Reform UK has not yet commented on the controversy. The party recently pledged to strengthen protections for pregnant women and new mothers, promising to become Britain's most "pro-mother" party and introducing a "Women and Motherhood Protection Act" if elected.
