Reform UK has raised concerns over the security of Nigel Farage after a series of protests disrupted the party’s annual conference, with deputy leader Richard Tice warning that one breach inside the venue “could easily have been a bomb”.
The warning followed a turbulent weekend at Reform’s conference at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, where protesters repeatedly interrupted proceedings and activists managed to unfurl a banner behind Mr Tice as he addressed delegates.
Mr Tice said the incident exposed what he regarded as a potentially serious failure in security arrangements surrounding senior party figures.
“Police should be very concerned by the serious threat to me and Nigel as a result of the security lapse that allowed protesters to display a banner behind me when speaking, as this could easily have been a bomb,” he told The Telegraph.
“In addition, a masked Antifa thug outside the venue threw a rock at a delegate’s head.”
West Midlands Police stressed that it had “no involvement in the delivery of the Reform UK party conference”, placing responsibility for security inside the event beyond the force’s remit.
Mr Farage separately claimed that his keynote address had initially been delayed following advice from counter-terrorism police.
When the Reform leader eventually appeared on stage, his speech was interrupted at least four times by protesters who stood up among the audience and heckled him.
The demonstrators were removed from the venue, but their ejection led to confrontations with some delegates.
Footage circulated on social media appeared to show audience members pulling a female protester’s hair and grabbing her head as she was escorted away.
A man was also seen apparently striking the woman with a walking stick during the confrontation.
West Midlands Police said “inquiries are continuing” and appealed for the woman involved to contact officers. The force said it had not received a formal complaint.
Robert Jenrick, Reform’s economic spokesman, defended delegates when challenged about the footage during an appearance on Sky News.
“We’re now in a country where somebody who is – whatever she is – a far-Left protester, goes into a party conference, tries to wreck the leader’s speech, and cries foul if a pensioner knocks her over the head with their Zimmer frame, I mean, come on, get a life,” he said.
“This person knew what they were doing. They were trying to cause trouble, and they probably got more publicity out of it as a result of what happened.”
Climate Resistance, which claimed responsibility for the disruption, accused Reform figures of attempting to excuse violence against protesters.
A spokesman said: “Nigel must take responsibility for the conduct of his supporters rather than celebrating assaults.
“It’s important that people can hold politicians to account without fear for their safety, and the appalling scenes yesterday must be unequivocally condemned.”
The events exposed two sharply contrasting security concerns surrounding the conference.
Inside the NEC, senior Reform figures questioned how protesters had been able to breach the event and reach positions close to the stage. Outside, however, the party praised West Midlands Police for its handling of demonstrations.
Zia Yusuf, Reform’s Home Affairs spokesman, said he had written to the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police to thank officers for their response.
Posting alongside footage showing demonstrators clashing with police, Mr Yusuf said: “Their officers showed remarkable bravery in the line of duty when faced with Leftist violent thugs.
“I know I speak on behalf of all Reform attendees, and all decent people in Britain, when I express sincere thanks for their professionalism, valour and service.”
The disorder and repeated interruptions overshadowed parts of Reform’s annual gathering, while Mr Tice’s intervention is likely to intensify questions over security arrangements for Mr Farage and other senior figures as the party’s political profile — and the hostility directed towards it — continues to grow.
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