“Hello, police? ITV has shown everyone what we’re really like, and we don’t like it”
by Rich Smith 56 seconds ago 
Reform UK’s Zia Yusuf has reported ITV to the police following an undercover documentary showing party representatives making racist and sexist remarks, in a phone call understood to centre on the distress caused by voters finding out.
“Hello, police? I’d like to report some journalists,” Yusuf began.
“They’ve spent months secretly recording our members, and now people have heard the sort of things we say when we think they can’t hear us.
“Yes, they’ve heard their actual words. Not made up. The actual things they said. Yes, that’s what makes it SO serious.”
Asked to explain the alleged offence, Yusuf reportedly stressed that the conversations had taken place behind closed doors, where participants had a reasonable expectation that they would only encounter people who agreed with them.
“Our members thought they were speaking to fellow Reform supporters, which means all bets are off. They had absolutely no reason to suspect their comments might reach normal members of the public who are likely to find them objectionable.
“Some of these Reform members could now lose their positions simply because the public knows what they think. Is that the sort of country we want to live in? Where voicing your opinion leaves you open to the consequences of voicing those opinions?!”
Yusuf went on to allege misconduct in the reporters’ methods, while ITV maintains its journalism complied with relevant laws and broadcasting rules.
“Look, I’m trying to tell you how they got into the room,” he continued.
“Why do you keep focusing on what was said once they were in it?”
The call briefly became strained when the operator asked whether Yusuf had considered reporting any of the remarks themselves.
“We’ve dealt with those internally. We investigated ourselves thoroughly for several minutes and found no wrongdoing. But this is about identifying the people responsible for putting those words in a place where they might have consequences.”
He concluded by requesting urgent police action to prevent further reputational damage.
“And I’d like an assurance that everything I’ve told you will remain confidential.”
The operator reminded him that all calls to emergency services may be recorded.
“There,” said Yusuf. “That’s exactly the sort of thing I’m trying to warn you about!”
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