A BBC Question Time audience in Dover reacted with audible shock and disapproval after a Reform UK politician was accused of being "typically rude" to a member of the public.
Sharp Intake of Breath Over Immigration Clash
The tense moment unfolded on the evening of Wednesday, 4 December 2025, during a recording of the political debate programme in Dover, Kent. The incident involved Reform UK's Zia Yusuf and an audience member who had asked for clarity on his party's immigration stance.
The guest, who stated he had worked for the NHS since 1974, expressed concern that under Reform's plans, migrant workers—including those in the health and social care sectors—could lose their right to indefinite leave to remain and be forced to leave the UK after years of service.
'If You Had Paid Attention': The Retort That Caused Outrage
In his response, Mr Yusuf, who defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK, denied this was party policy. He stated Reform had announced an acute skilled shortage visa for sectors like social care. However, his closing remark provoked a strong reaction.
"So if you had paid attention to what we were announcing, you would not have that view," Mr Yusuf told the questioner.
Immediately, sections of the audience were heard taking sharp intakes of breath and gasping. One person shouted clearly, "That's rude." Despite the audible dismay, Mr Yusuf continued speaking.
Panel Condemnation and Audience Applause
Fellow panelist Zack Polanski, the Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, directly intervened. He described Mr Yusuf's behaviour as "typically rude."
Labour MP for Dover and Deal, Mike Tapp, also addressed the Reform representative. "What I love about my constituency is even people who disagree with me are very polite and that should be afforded by you too, Zia. Be polite to these lovely people," he said, to applause from the studio audience. The man who asked the original question was seen smiling warmly in response to Mr Tapp's defence.
The exchange occurred on a night when Mr Yusuf's Reform colleague, Nigel Farage, also faced scrutiny on the programme over his championing of Brexit.
