Nigel Farage explains stance on Reform UK members supporting Tommy Robinson

Nigel Farage has stated that Reform UK is unable to monitor members who back Tommy Robinson, despite describing the conduct that led to his harassment conviction as “very wrong”.

The party leader noted that "people have different opinions", suggesting that liking an online post does not make someone a "full-blown marcher" behind a movement.

Robinson, who told his trial his full name is Stephen Lennon, could face up to 10 years in prison after being convicted of harassing two journalists and causing them to fear violence.

The 43-year-old was labelled a “bully” by prosecutors after freelance reporter Andrew Young and Daily Mail editor Jacob Dirnhuber felt forced to either leave their homes or employ extra security for fear of a “vigilante” attack.

At a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Farage was questioned over his reaction to the conviction and whether he was "happy" for Reform members to support Robinson.

Mr Farage responded sarcastically: “Oh no, I think Reform members should be … I think we should brainwash them. We should indoctrinate them. We should tell them they can only like certain people.

“We’ll even give them recommended lists of books that they’re only prepared to read.

“We’ll make sure that cancel culture is enforced fully. Political correctness is brought in at all levels. Lee (Anderson) you’re kicked out as chairman. That’s all over.”

But he added: “People have different opinions … most people, when it comes to news or characters or individuals might see a social media message once a day or once a week and think, ‘Yeah, I like that’.

“It doesn’t make them sort of full-blown marchers in support of their cause.

“But I hadn’t heard that actually, I knew there was a case going on, and if he’s been convicted of that, then it’s obviously very wrong, very wrong indeed.”

Mr Farage has consistently been opposed to allowing Robinson to join his political parties, describing him as “thuggish”.

The Clacton MP, asked previously whether Reform UK would accept support from Robinson, said: “We’re a political party aiming to win the next general election. He’s not what we need.”