A Reform UK councillor in South Tyneside is facing calls to resign after sharing a video that made Islamophobic claims before being elected. Coun Michelle Fascione, who represents the Simonside and Rekendyke Ward, shared a video alleging that Islam is attempting to "dominate" the United Kingdom and that parts of Rochdale, Bradford, and London are "no-go zones" where police are "afraid to go."
Labour demands resignation over 'hate speech'
Labour opposition leaders have condemned the video, calling for Fascione's immediate resignation. Coun Geraldine Kilgour, Labour and Co-operative councillor for Fellgate and Hedworth, stated: "Another week, another Reform councillor in South Tyneside showing us who they really are. It's shocking to see a senior Reform councillor sharing such hateful, Islamophobic content online as well as fake news about 'no go' zones. Councillor Fascione is clearly not up to the job of standing on the advisory council for religious education in South Tyneside and she should apologise for sharing these clips and resign."
Kilgour added: "It is clear that hate speech and intolerance is a pattern in Reform UK in South Tyneside, and I'd challenge Councillor Mackings to get a grip of his group and expel members of his group who hold these abhorrent views."
Fascione defends sharing video as 'debate'
Coun Fascione, a former police officer elected in May's local elections and recently appointed to the local authority's Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education, defended her actions. She said: "I did share a video relating to Islam before I became a councillor. The video showed a differing view from my own in respect of the Islam religion and I often share debatable content. No malice or discrimination was ever my intent, nor would it ever be. In my opinion, debate is the key to changing misconceptions and misunderstandings and maybe it would have been wiser, friendlier and cause less division had the Labour councillor come to see me personally."
She added: "I am happy to work with anyone who wants the best for the people of South Tyneside, whether that be Labour, Green or Independent."
Reform UK approached for comment
ChronicleLive has approached Reform UK for comment regarding the matter. The controversy adds to ongoing scrutiny of Reform UK's stance on religious and cultural issues in the region.
