Reform UK councillor accused of 'stoking hatred' over 'import the third world' comment after machete attack

Hillingdon Labour leader condemns speculation on suspects' ethnicity; councillor says remark was about wider immigration debate

By LineZotpaper

Published5 October 2026

Read Time3 min

A Reform UK councillor on Hillingdon Council has been accused of stoking hatred after she commented 'import the 3rd world you get the 3rd world' on a social media post about a machete attack in Cowley, Uxbridge. The Metropolitan Police confirmed no information about the suspects' background had been published at the time.

The leader of Reform UK on Hillingdon Council, Cllr Sophie Dror, has taken responsibility for the comment made in a social media group following the stabbing on September 25. The account associated with her, named Reform Yiewsley Councillors, wrote the remark in response to a group member saying 'usual suspects' under a post about the attack.

Labour group leader Cllr Stuart Mathers condemned Cllr Dror for 'speculating [on] the ethnicity' of the suspects. 'This is an awful crime in broad daylight,' he said. 'Our thoughts are firstly with the victim and his family. This is now a police matter and we expect those responsible to be brought to justice. We are appalled that the Reform councillors are speculating [on] the ethnicity on Facebook. The police have not revealed any details at this stage. Stoking hatred in our communities is not helpful in keeping our residents safe.'

The comment was deleted before the Local Democracy Reporting Service approached Cllr Dror, who says she did not delete it and cannot comment on why it was removed. The leader of Hillingdon Reform insists the comment was intended to be part of a wider immigration debate and nothing to do with the attack.

Cllr Dror said: 'I can confirm that the comment was made by myself. However, it was intended to be about a wider discussion about unsuitable immigration policies and mass migration. It was not intended to refer to, or make any assertion about, the ethnicity or nationality of the suspects involved in the Cowley incident. I appreciate that, given the timing and context, the comment could have easily been misconstrued in that way, but that was not its intention or meaning.'

She added: 'However, Cllr Mathers' claim that my comments were "stoking hatred" is a very serious accusation and one I reject. Political discussion about immigration and migration should not be misrepresented as an attempt to incite hatred or hostility.'

Two teenagers were arrested following the machete attack at Cowley Recreation Ground, next to the high street. Emergency services were called at around 2.40pm on Friday, September 25, following reports of an altercation. Paramedics treated an injured man in his 50s.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The incident highlights tensions around community safety and the language of local politicians in the aftermath of a serious crime.
It raises questions about the line between legitimate political debate on immigration and speculation that could inflame community divisions.
The outcome of police investigations into the attack itself will likely shape further public discourse.

Background

Hillingdon is a borough in West London, and the Reform UK party has been gaining local council seats in recent years. The party has campaigned on a platform of stricter immigration controls and law and order. The machete attack in Cowley Recreation Ground drew significant public attention due to its daytime occurrence in a residential area. Two teenagers were arrested but no charges have been reported yet.

Key Perspectives

Cllr Sophie Dror (Reform UK): Stated her comment was about immigration policy as a general political debate and not about the specific suspects. She rejects the accusation of stoking hatred and says her words were misconstrued due to timing and context. Cllr Stuart Mathers (Labour): Argues that speculating on ethnicity when police have released no such details is irresponsible and stokes community hatred. He prioritises the victim and the police investigation. Critics/Skeptics: The comment, made immediately under a post about the attack, can be seen as directly linking immigration to violent crime, even though the councillor denies that intent. The deletion of the remark (which she says she did not do) may further fuel questions about the original message.

What to Watch

The Metropolitan Police's investigation into the machete attack and whether any details about the suspects' backgrounds are released.
Any formal complaint or code of conduct action against Cllr Dror by Hillingdon Council.
Further public or internal party reactions within Reform UK as the story develops.

Sources

Reform leader on London council accused of 'stoking hatred' with 'import the third world' remark after stabbing — The Standard London