Southbank Centre Chairman Misan Harriman Criticised for Comparing Reform UK Election Gains to 1930s Germany
Misan Harriman, chairman of the Southbank Centre and an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, posted an Instagram video describing Reform UK's local election success as "a warning" and quoting a conversation between Susan Sontag and Kurt Vonnegut about the Nazis' rise. Reform's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick called the comparison "disgusting."
bbc.co.ukMisan Harriman, chairman of the Southbank Centre, posted an Instagram video responding to recent local election results in which he described Reform UK's growing electoral success as "a warning" while referencing historical discussions about the Third Reich's ascent to power.
The Instagram clip featured Harriman quoting a conversation between Holocaust survivor Susan Sontag and American novelist Kurt Vonnegut concerning the Nazis' rise during 1930s Germany. Harriman characterised the Sontag-Vonnegut observation as "really topical".
"The surge of Reform is real," Harriman said in the video. " Fiona Sharpe from Labour Against Antisemitism demanded Harriman's removal from the Southbank Centre. The Southbank Centre, which houses the Royal Festival Hall, recently secured £10 million from Arts Council England.
A Southbank Centre spokesman told GB News: “The Southbank Centre is an inclusive and welcoming place for everyone including our artists, audience and all colleagues. ” The Southbank Centre issued a statement noting that individual board members' personal opinions do not represent the institution. Harriman is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and photographer.
GB News reported that the remarks drew fierce criticism from Jewish organisations and senior political figures. Several prominent figures voiced support for the filmmaker despite the backlash.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2026-05-12
GB News publishes report on Misan Harriman's Instagram video and resulting criticism
1 sourceGB News - Recent days
Misan Harriman posts Instagram video responding to local election results
1 sourceGB News - Thursday
Local elections in which millions voted for Reform UK
1 sourceGB News
Potential Impact
- 01
Public dispute between arts institution and Reform UK politicians following local elections
- 02
Southbank Centre's recent £10million Arts Council England funding placed in context of controversy
- 03
Calls for Misan Harriman's removal from chairmanship of Southbank Centre
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