Pauline Hanson 'not backing away' from controversial far-right interview

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has declared she will not retract her controversial interview with far-right UK figure Tommy Robinson, despite facing widespread criticism. The interview, conducted during a podcast recording in Luton, a town with a significant Muslim population, saw Hanson blame the end of the White Australia policy for current migration issues in Australia.

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Why wouldn't I talk to the man? Am I going to be judged by all those people, I shouldn't be associating, talking to this man. That's the problem with our society.

Furthermore, Hanson suggested, without providing evidence, that Muslim Australians are heavily involved in defrauding the National Disability Insurance Scheme. These remarks have drawn sharp condemnation from across the political spectrum in Australia, including from Labor, the Coalition, and the Greens.

During a segment on Seven's Spotlight program, Hanson was filmed walking with Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Robinson is a known anti-immigration figure in the UK with a criminal record, including convictions for fraud and assault. Major British parties have distanced themselves from him, and even Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, has previously separated from Robinson.

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I'm sorry, I'm not going to back away from this whatsoever.

When questioned about the potential damage to her reputation by associating with Robinson, Hanson stated, "I'm sorry, I'm not going to back away from this whatsoever." She explained her willingness to speak with him, saying, "I met Tommy and I listened to what he is trying to tell me about what has happened to Britain." She asserted her independence, telling Channel 7, "I'm not like the other politicians, I will say and do what I want to."

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I met Tommy and I listened to what he is trying to tell me about what has happened to Britain.

Hanson, who has been traveling through the UK and Europe attending conservative conferences, also addressed claims that she wanted to reintroduce the White Australia policy. In a social media clip, she rejected this, stating, "Never ever have I advocated that, and I don't believe in it as well." However, she did affirm her stance on immigration, saying, "I don't want people from certain countries that wear the burqa."

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Never ever have I advocated that, and I don't believe in it as well.