The MP for Runcorn and Helsby said: ‘For the sake of women’s safety we need England to keep winning.’
Reform UK MP for Runcorn and Helsby Sarah Pochin sparked upset after urging England’s World Cup football team to “keep winning” to stop cases of domestic violent from going “through the roof”.
Speaking after England’s victory against Croatia last night, the MP captioned a video post of herself: “For the sake of women’s safety we need England to keep winning.” She said: “England won the football last night, and thank goodness they did, because on the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidences of domestic violence go through the roof. So boys, keep winning.”
Celebrities were quick to point out that she was putting the responsibility onto footballers, rather than pointing out that the problem is violence against women and the men who perpetuate the violence.
Carol Vorderman, 65, commented on the video, shared by PoliticsJoe: “Whatttttttt….. the message should be ‘lock up all cowardly men who beat up women’.” Sam Fender replied simply: “F**k me”.
Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison, 38, said: “WHATTTTT????? So it’s not don’t batter your wives and partners lads??? But instead come on Harry Kane, don’t give them a reason to?????”
Influencer and TikToker Charley Marlowe said: “BEYOND ridiculous” Political commentator Matthew Stadlen added: “Difficult to articulate just how stupid this is from an MP. Rather than putting the responsibility for domestic abuse onto England’s footballers, how about telling domestic abusers not to be domestic abusers?”
Seven hours after sharing the initial video, Sarah then posted on X a longer message about domestic violence. It read: “Reports of domestic abuse rise sharply during high profile sporting events and emotionally charged social occasions, with some of the highest increases seen after unexpected or disappointing results.
“That is completely unacceptable. No result, no argument and no occasion can ever excuse violence or abuse. We all have a responsibility to challenge domestic abuse and protect women. Men must do better.” She then offered a link to a domestic abuse hotline.
Many were still unimpressed with her follow up message with one person commenting: “That is a poor response to your tone deaf video. Can you remove it please? It is hugely offensive to those of us who have suffered DV.”
“I’m guessing someone told you how out of touch your video was,” added another. “Why Haven’t you deleted and apologised for the video earlier claiming its the England’s team fault for the domestic abuse women suffer??” asked another.
This isn’t the first time the Runcorn and Helsby MP has angered the public with her comments and was at the centre of a race row after her comments last year.
While responding to a caller’s question on Talk TV in October 2025, she commented: “It drives me mad when I see adverts full of black people, full of Asian people, you know people who are anything other than white.”
At the time, then Health Secretary Wes Streeting said her remarks were a “disgrace” and said the silence from Reform leader Nigel Farage on the row “says it all”. Deputy PM David Lammy also said at the time that the Reform leader should sack her over the “terribly racist” remarks.
The Mirror has reached out to the Reform party for comment.
The 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline is on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or your family have lost a friend or family member through fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) can offer specialist and expert support and advocacy. For more info visit www.aafda.org.uk
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