Sky News reporter from Co Fermanagh ‘forcibly removed’ from Conservative Party event

A Sky News reporter from Co Fermanagh has said he was “forcibly removed” from a Conservative Party event after being informed the broadcaster was not allowed to cover it.

Political correspondent Darren McCaffrey is seen in a video shared on Sky News’ X account being removed from the campaign launch event in east London.

"And I’m being forcibly removed… we just simply wanted to have access tonight as Sky News but unfortunately we’re told that there are pool arrangements in place, we’re not allowed (here),” he said, while being escorted from a room by two men.

‘Pool arrangements’ refers to an arrangement wherein a group of media organisations combine their resources in the collection of news. Typically, one outlet covers the event and the footage is then shared.

"What we’re trying to film is a campaign event where the Prime Minister is due to speak in the next couple of minutes,” adds Mr McCaffrey in the video.

"It’s in front of Conservative activists and eventually (he’ll) be trying to get across the message we had (from) Downing Street today from the Prime Minister talking about stability… I’m sure he’s going to talk about about the decision he has made, but as you’ll see we just don’t have access to it.

"It’s not entirely clear why we don’t have access to it, but as I said this was meant to be the campaign launch for the Prime Minister, for the Conservative leader in front of party activists, in front of the loyalists who will support him and go and knock on doors.

"This is a gamble he’s taken… we’re probably going to lose contact at this stage.”

Mr Sunak’s appearance in east London marks his first showing since he announced a July 4 General Election earlier today.

Speaking from Downing Street this afternoon, Mr Sunak pledged to take on the polls this summer to secure a fifth term in office for the Conservatives.

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