Zia Yusuf unveils Reform's immigration plans during a press conference in Dover.Zia Yusuf has been monstered after he complained about black men being offered screening for prostate cancer.
Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman said it was further evidence that the UK is a “two tier country” following the murder of Henry Nowak.
The 18-year-old was arrested and handcuffed as he lay dying after being stabbed by Vickrum Digwa, who had falsely accused him of racism.
Ministers announced earlier this week that black men aged between 45 and 74 will be offered prostate cancer screening because they have double the risk of contracting the disease compared to the general population.
Reacting on X, Yusuf said: “On the day the whole political establishment claims we do not live in a two tier country, they announce this. Note, the NHS makes NO drugs available exclusively to white people.”
On the day the whole political establishment claims we do not live in a two tier country, they announce this.
Note, the NHS makes NO drugs available exclusively to white people. pic.twitter.com/gNnvgUTJAS
However, social media users – including politicians from all parties – condemned Yusuf’s attempt to create racial division about a potentially life-saving NHS initiative.
Former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: “Are there any doctors who belong to Reform UK who can quetly tell Zia to stop being a wazzock about this stuff?”
Are there any doctors who belong to Reform UK who can quietly tell Zia to stop being a wazzock about this stuff? https://t.co/R1pW7z3GDc
— Tim Farron (@timfarron) June 2, 2026Labour MP and trained surgeon Dr Zubir Ahmed said: “How can someone as thick as you aspire to hold any form of public office? Please go and ask your father how medical screening works, it’s time you were educated.”
How can someone as thick as you aspire to hold any form of public office? Please go and ask your father how medical screening works, it's time you were educated.
— Dr Zubir Ahmed MP (@zubirahmed) June 2, 2026Fellow Labour MP Luke Charters said: “What is wring with you? Black men are at significantly higher risk of prostate cancer. This isn’t ‘two-tier Britain’. It’s basic medicine.”
What is wrong with you?
Black men are at significantly higher risk of prostate cancer. This isn’t “two-tier Britain”. It’s basic medicine.
The programme will save lives and the NHS money. That’s great news.
Stop rage-farming and log off for a day. It might do you some good. 👍 pic.twitter.com/brSejkgzv8
Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty advised Yusuf to speak to Dr David Bull, a GP who was until recently Reform’s chairman.
“…the risk is higher for black men from age 45.”
Perhaps you should read this interview with your colleague @drdavidbull Zia. https://t.co/YisAV4TqGI
Tory councillor Festus Akinbusoye said: “Bro. Have you lost your mind? Do you understand how targeted medical intervention works? What is wrong with you Zia? Seriously!”
Bro. Have you lost your mind? Do you understand how targeted medicinal intervention works? What is wrong with you Zia? Seriously!
— Festus Akinbusoye (@FestAKINBUSOYE) June 2, 2026Other social media users joined in the near-universal condemnation of Yusuf’s remarks.
Even for you Zia, this is an incredibly stupid post.
Black men are twice as likely to get prostate cancer than white men, early detection and treatment saves lives and costs the NHS less.
Of course you most likely know this, you’re just trying to stir the shit pot again.
Wait until he finds out about the Congo getting more funding for tackling Ebola than the UK does https://t.co/u0cCMZIX7U
— Ben Kentish (@BenKentish) June 2, 2026Subscribe to Commons People, the podcast that makes politics easy. Every week, Kevin Schofield and Kate Nicholson unpack the week’s biggest stories to keep you informed. Join us for straightforward analysis of what’s going on at Westminster.
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