Hillingdon Reform leader's Facebook comment sparks controversy

Cllr Sophie Dror, the leader of the Reform UK opposition group on Hillingdon Council, has faced accusations of "stoking hatred" after posting a controversial comment on social media. The remark was made in a local Facebook group following a machete attack at Cowley Recreation Ground in Uxbridge on September 25.

The incident at Cowley Recreation Ground saw a man in his 50s taken to hospital. Two teenagers were subsequently arrested in connection with the attack and have since been released on bail pending further enquiries. The Metropolitan Police have stated that any claims regarding the ethnicity or nationality of those involved are speculative.

Controversial Facebook comment

An account associated with Cllr Dror, identified as Reform Yiewsley Councillors, posted the comment "import the 3rd world you get the 3rd world" under a post discussing the Uxbridge attack. This comment was reportedly made in response to another group member's remark about "usual suspects".

Labour group leader Cllr Stuart Mathers condemned the comment, stating that Reform councillors were speculating about the background of those involved when the police had released no such details. He said that "stoking hatred in our communities is not helpful in keeping our residents safe."

Cllr Dror has accepted responsibility for the comment but rejected claims that it was intended to inflame tensions. She stated that the remark was part of a broader discussion about immigration policy and mass migration, and was not meant to refer to the Cowley incident or the identity of the suspects.

She added that accusations of "stoking hatred" were a "very serious allegation" and that political debate about immigration should not be misinterpreted as an attempt to incite hostility. The comment was later removed from the Facebook group, though Cllr Dror stated she did not delete it and could not explain why it was taken down.