Labour ministers have been urged to investigate the Southbank Centre’s chairman, who compared Reform’s local election success to Germany in the 1930s.
In an Instagram video posted in response to recent local election results, Misan Harriman described Reform UK’s growing electoral success as “a warning” whilst referencing historical discussions about the Third Reich’s ascent to power.
The controversial pro-Palestine arts chief’s comments have prompted 64 MPs to write to the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy.
Included in the signatories are two former culture secretaries, John Whittingdale and Sir Oliver Dowden, who signed off on Harriman’s appointment in 2021.
The letter read: “While individuals are of course entitled to their political views, organisations such as the Southbank Centre, which receives significant public funding, must maintain clear public confidence in their impartiality and governance.
“We are concerned that these matters have not been treated with sufficient scrutiny, particularly given their implications for public trust and community confidence.
“We therefore ask what steps you intend to take to ensure appropriate investigation and accountability, including engagement with the Southbank Centre and, where necessary, the relevant regulator.
“The letter also mentions that Harriman has publicly expressed support for political parties, suggesting that this may have breached Charity Commission guidelines.”
Labour ministers have been urged to investigate the Southbank Centre’s chairman
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GETTYThe accusations of supporting political parties also stem from a separate post on the day of the local elections, in which he praises the Green Party.
Mr Harriman posted a photograph of himself with Zack Polanski and Hannah Spencer, writing: “The vote is the most powerful non-violent tool we have.”
The Charity Commission is “assessing concerns” of any rule breaks, according to the Times.
When comparing Reform to Germany in the 1930’s, Mr Harriman characterised this observation as “really topical” given the recent council election outcomes.
Mr Harriman posted a photograph of himself with Zack Polanski and Hannah Spencer
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INSTAGRAM/MISAN HARRIMAN
He said: “The surge of Reform is real. It is a surge, and it should be a warning and a rallying call at the same time.”
He added that Reform voters were “not devils” but had been influenced by “certain newspapers” and “certain charlatans”.
The chairman sparked additional controversy for appearing to suggest there was a media “conspiracy” to make the Golders Green knife attack about the Jewish victims.
He argued that there was no focus on a Muslim man who was allegedly stabbed by the same person in an incident earlier that day.
Fiona Sharpe from Labour Against Antisemitism previously demanded his removal from the Southbank Centre, saying: “Whatever his political views are, to diminish the systematic state-sponsored murder of six million Jews, just for being Jews, in this particular climate in Britain, is abhorrent.”
Misan Harriman is the Oscar-nominated filmmaker who chairs London’s largest arts venue | GETTY
Robert Jenrick, Reform’s Treasury spokesman, branded the comparison “disgusting”, telling the Daily Mail: “Comparing the millions who voted Reform on Thursday to the Nazis is disgusting. This crass moron should be nowhere near a taxpayer-funded organisation.”
A spokesman from the Southbank Centre previously said: “The Southbank Centre is an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone, including our artists, audience and all colleagues.
“The Southbank Centre condemns all forms of antisemitism, hatred and discrimination. All Southbank Centre board members, including the chair, have the right to exercise their freedom of expression within the law.
“The personal views of individual members of our board do not represent the views of the Southbank Centre and in no way affect our programming nor the welcome that we extend to all.”
GB News has reached out to the centre for further comment.