Security alert and protests at NEC as Reform conference heads into final day

A security alert and a series of protests have disrupted the Reform UK conference at the NEC as the three-day event heads into its final day.

The conference is taking place at the NEC in Birmingham, close to Solihull, with Reform members and politicians gathering for the party's annual event.

On Friday, Reform leader Nigel Farage's keynote speech was delayed after a security alert.

Farage later told delegates that he had been prevented from taking to the stage while the situation was dealt with. Security personnel and a search dog were reported to have been working behind the stage.

The speech was then interrupted by several protesters, with demonstrators removed from the conference hall.

The disruption came during an already difficult day for Reform, with two senior party figures, James Orr and Dan Jukes, suspended following an undercover investigation concerning allegations about foreign political donations.

Farage has denied that Reform broke the law and said the party had not accepted illegal money. The allegations are being reviewed by the Electoral Commission and the Metropolitan Police.

The conference has also attracted large numbers of people to the NEC. Reports from inside the event said some attendees faced lengthy queues to enter the venue on Friday.

The controversy at Reform continues

Despite the disruption, the conference continued with a packed programme.

Farage also appeared alongside Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally, where the pair announced an agreement focused on tackling small boat crossings. The two signed a memorandum of understanding setting out their proposals.

What happens on Saturday

The Reform UK conference continues at the NEC on Saturday, September 5, which is the final day.

The programme includes further speeches and fringe events covering issues including the economy, welfare, housing, local government and defence.

A number of events are also scheduled around the NEC throughout the day, including a session looking at housebuilding and migration and another examining whether Britain is prepared for war.

The official conference information states that Saturday's event runs from 9am until 5pm. Registration for the conference is closed and tickets cannot be purchased at the venue.

For Solihull residents, the final day means the large political gathering will continue just outside the borough, with activity at the NEC expected to remain high until the conference closes on Saturday afternoon.