Oh dear. Gareth Bennett may soon regret his decision to appear on today’s Daily Politics. Bennett, who leads Ukip’s regional list in South Wales Central, agreed to be interviewed on the show after he came under fire this week for blaming increased litter in Cardiff on East European migrants.
During his appearance on the BBC show, Bennett was grilled by Andrew Neil on whether he had any evidence to back up his claims. Despite a lack of proof, Bennett showed no sign of backing down:
AN: You said you think there’s a hygiene problem, what is that hygiene problem?
GB: Well it’s caused by lots of black bags being left outside houses, and there’s lots of anecdotal evidence from residents who told me about this problem and on the very day I did this interview there was a piece in the South Wales Echo which demonstrates that very problem. You might be able to pick on the number of black bags that have been simply left outside the house rather than thrown in the front garden and not on a rubbish collection day.
AN: But what evidence do you have that if there is this rubbish problem, it’s migrants who are causing it?
GB: Well, I haven’t got any firm evidence to give you now but if you wish I can come back in a week’s time with lots of residents from that area and we can have a talk live on air if you want. Many have connected it in talks with me with Eastern European influx and I’m happy to bring those people into the studio but the only problem is Andrew, you might need a bigger studio
AN: But would it not have been wise to have checked the evidence first — to have established the evidence before making the accusation?
GB: Yes it would have been very sensible Andrew, but where would I have gleaned the evidence from? Where is this data kept? Can you tell me what outlet can tell me the connection between these two issues? There’s very clear empirical evidence Andrew, 15 years ago we did not have this problem with immigration in inner cityCardiff and we did not have this level of hygiene problem. That is clear empirical evidence.
What’s more, Bennett has threatened to sue his own party for loss of earnings if they take any steps to deselect him as a result of the row. Still, perhaps most worrying of all, the Ukip candidate appears to be wearing the exact same outfit today as he wore for an appearance on ITV last night.
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