Labour MPs have launched a fierce attack on Reform MP Sarah Pochin after she made comments about over-representation of black and Asian people in television advertisements. The criticism included calls to remove the whip, with MPs accusing Pochin of making racist remarks.
Pochin, speaking on a radio show, was asked about the issue by a caller. She responded, “Yes, it drives me mad,” and argued that TV ads do not accurately reflect society. New data from the agency Tapestry, which examined the top 500 TV ads, found that over 51% featured black people, who make up 4% of the UK population; 17% featured South Asian people (8% of population); and 11% featured East Asian people (1% of population).
An advertising industry insider acknowledged that while the industry had previously underrepresented black and Asian people, the correction had been excessive and noticeable. The data also highlighted that disabled people were underrepresented, appearing in just 4% of ads despite making up 18% of the population.
Critics have accused Labour of hypocrisy, pointing to instances where party members did not condemn similar comments from other figures. However, the party maintains that Pochin’s remarks were unacceptable and have called for her to be disciplined.
