Explosive By-Election Hustings Descends into Immigration Row
A tense by-election hustings in Manchester erupted into a heated confrontation between Labour and Reform UK candidates, with accusations of demonising immigrants and creating fear in the community. The event, hosted by the Manchester Evening News, saw Labour's Angeliki Stogia directly challenge Reform's Matthew Goodwin over his campaign rhetoric and security presence.
Labour Candidate Accuses Reform of Spreading Fear
Angeliki Stogia, Labour's candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election on February 26, launched a fierce attack on Matthew Goodwin during the panel discussion. She claimed that women in the constituency are now scared to leave their homes because of the divisive language being peddled by Reform UK. "I was with a group of interfaith women this morning who told me they're scared to leave their house because of the rhetoric that you have been peddling," Stogia stated directly to Goodwin.
The Labour candidate criticised Goodwin for having security personnel accompanying him during the campaign while vulnerable women in the area feel threatened. "How can you be sat here with a couple of security guys following you around when women in our community are living in fear?" she demanded. Stogia emphasised that demonising immigrants would not solve the problems facing the constituency, calling instead for "controlled managed migration that supports our economy" combined with serious investment in public services.
Reform Candidate Defends Position and Security
Matthew Goodwin, a GB News presenter and Reform UK candidate, defended his position and explained why he requires security protection. "The reason I have security is because I have very real threats to my life in an area where people assure me everything is fine," Goodwin responded. He argued that integration is not working properly in some parts of the country and that a responsible conversation about immigration is needed.
Goodwin avoided a direct question about whether Donald Trump's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency could influence UK policy, instead launching into criticism of housing policies. "How is it right and how is it fair that British families, British young people, British military veterans are not able to get on the housing ladder, but we are making homes available to people who are breaking our laws?" he questioned, referring to houses in multiple occupancy being used to accommodate migrants.
Broader Context of the By-Election Battle
The February 26 by-election represents a significant test for Labour leader Keir Starmer, who recently faced leadership challenges within his own party. Reform UK is attempting to pull off an upset in this traditionally Labour-held seat, while the Green Party seeks to squeeze Labour's vote from the left. The campaign has already shown signs of becoming particularly vicious, with accusations of misleading claims and divisive politics circulating.
During the heated exchange, Goodwin made reference to the grooming gangs scandal, stating: "I'm not going to be lectured by a Labour politician from a party that consistently failed to investigate the mass rape and sexual abuse of working-class kids in this country for 30 years." He claimed that open border policies put women and girls at risk of sexual assault.
Other Candidates Weigh In on Immigration Concerns
Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer expressed concern about potential UK immigration policies mirroring those in the United States. "I think it's really terrifying what we're about to see over here, and I think certain politicians are just cozying up to Trump, thinking that we can do what they're doing," she said. Spencer voiced particular worry for immigrant communities who have "kept our city region moving for decades."
Liberal Democrat candidate Jackie Pearcey was even more direct in her criticism of American immigration enforcement. "I am absolutely appalled by what ICE is doing in America. It's horrific," she stated. "People have been shot on site. They've been locked up without any of their rights. People with valid visas and green cards are being held in what amount to concentration camps. It's an absolute abomination."
The heated exchanges at the Manchester hustings highlight how immigration has become a central battleground in the upcoming by-election, with candidates from across the political spectrum offering sharply contrasting visions for how the issue should be addressed in both policy and public discourse.
