Labour MP Sparks OUTRAGE After Saying Reform’s Matt Goodwin Is “Not Really British” Fury erupts across the political spectrum after the incendiary remark ignites accusations of elitism and exclusion, with critics slamming the comment as deeply divisive, free-speech alarms ringing loud, and the backlash snowballing into a full-blown row over identity, patriotism, and who gets to decide what it really means to be British in modern politics. More details below

A senior Labour MP has come under intense criticism after remarking that Reform-linked political commentator Matt Goodwin was “not really British”, triggering a heated national debate over identity, free expression and political discourse.

The comment, made during a public discussion on current political trends, spread rapidly online and prompted strong reactions from across the political spectrum. Critics accused the MP of using divisive language and promoting an exclusionary view of what it means to belong in modern Britain.

Several MPs from both major parties, as well as commentators and civil society figures, said the remark risked deepening social divisions and undermining open debate. Some warned that language questioning a person’s national identity can inflame tensions at a time when political discourse is already highly polarised.

Supporters of Matt Goodwin described the statement as unfair and inappropriate, while others defended the MP’s right to express a political opinion, arguing that public figures should be open to robust criticism.

The Labour Party has not confirmed whether any formal action will be taken, but the incident has reignited a broader national conversation about patriotism, identity and who gets to define what being British means in today’s political landscape.