Australia's divisive politician Pauline Hanson has ignited fierce debate during her UK visit, delivering a stinging rebuke to what she sees as Britain's cultural downfall at the inaugural Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in London. The One Nation leader, known for her outspoken views on immigration and multiculturalism, left many in attendance shaken by her assertion that 'white privilege' is a myth and her stark warning about England's future.
Hanson pinpointed several factors she believes are driving Britain's perceived decline, including mass immigration, the influence of Islam, the push for net-zero policies, and the spread of 'woke' ideologies such as support for trans rights. Recalling a visit to Tower Hamlets in east London, she painted a dire picture: 'I felt I was in another country. I didn't believe this was England.' Her stark conclusion – 'London? No, thank you. That's my opinion... I fear for England, I really do' – has sparked concern among observers.
Hanson shared the platform with notable British figures at CPAC London, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and former Prime Minister Liz Truss. In a nod to her growing popularity in Australia, Mr Farage compared Ms Hanson's rise to that of Donald Trump in the US, hailing it as an 'amazing' achievement.
While her public address garnered significant attention, leaked audio suggests she told a private dinner audience that 'immigration is destroying our country as it has destroyed yours.' Earlier this week, she participated in a podcast with far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (also known as Tommy Robinson), where she made unsubstantiated claims about Muslim Australians.
The visit has not been without its challenges for Hanson, who faces speculation of a rift with One Nation recruit Barnaby Joyce. Although both parties have denied any disagreement, Mr Joyce expressed reservations about Ms Hanson's comments on Islam during an interview with The Australian.