UK Deputy Right-Wing Leader Investigated Over Debate Defending Israel: 'You Can't Make This Up'

The UK Parliament's ethics committee has opened an investigation into Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, over suspicion he failed to declare a conflict of interest in a debate where he defended cooperation with Israel. Tice claims the probe stems from a complaint by an anti-Israel lobby and that he is being investigated for standing against antisemitism. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage is also being probed over donations, and the party has lost its poll lead.

The parliamentary commission responsible for upholding the ethical code of MPs in London confirmed on July 28 that it opened an investigation into Richard Tice, deputy leader of the right-wing Reform UK party, on suspicion he breached rules by failing to declare an alleged conflict of interest during a debate concerning Israel. Tice, known as a staunch supporter of Israel, confirmed the investigation relates to a complaint surrounding a parliamentary debate event on Israel. In a video he posted on Facebook, he is heard defending cooperation with Israel in entrepreneurship and science, saying: "There's genius in it, I want more of that here!" Tice claims the investigation stems from a complaint by an anti-Israel lobby, writing: "They're investigating me because I stood up against antisemitism. You can't make this stuff up." Meanwhile, party leader Nigel Farage is also entangled in an ethics committee probe over suspicious donations, including a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne. The party, which led in polls for over a year, has lost its lead to Labour, which surged to 28% support according to a More in Common poll, while Reform UK fell to 24%.