Scottish actor Dougray Scott has publicly criticized the rhetoric surrounding immigration used by Nigel Farage and his political party, Reform UK. He described this language as “utterly disgusting and distasteful” during a discussion about his latest project, the Channel 4 drama Summerwater, which adapts Sarah Moss‘s novel. The series explores the escalating tensions among holidaymakers at a Scottish park over a 24-hour period, highlighting social divisions in contemporary Britain.
In his role as David, a retired general practitioner on holiday with his ailing wife, Annie, played by Shirley Henderson, Scott noted that the show’s themes of xenophobia resonate strongly in today’s society. “My character is xenophobic, and he talks about ‘those people’,” he explained. Scott emphasized the danger of such language, which he believes contributes to a troubling narrative that divides society.
Confronting Social Division in Modern Britain
Scott pointed out that the portrayal of characters in Summerwater reflects real societal attitudes. The series features a Polish waitress named Alina, played by Anna Próchniak, who becomes a focal point of tension among the predominantly white British characters. “Words matter, and how you categorize people matters,” Scott asserted. He criticized the language that fosters division, suggesting it reinforces a dangerous mindset that separates individuals based on ethnicity and origin.
“I think that voice, that dog whistle of white supremacy, has reared its head again through Reform and Nigel Farage,” he stated. Scott further articulated the need for a more compassionate approach to immigration, urging that the conversation should focus on understanding the complexities of the issue rather than resorting to exclusionary language.
Scott also referenced a character in the drama who expresses a desire to leave the UK due to its current state, highlighting the irony that this character would then become an immigrant themselves. “We have to address the issue of immigration, refugees, and how we deal with it,” he remarked. He called for a humanitarian response that acknowledges the long-term consequences of historical actions by developed countries, particularly in regions such as Syria, Africa, and the Middle East.
Reflecting on Personal Responsibility
Valene Kane, who portrays Justine—a woman grappling with her emotional disconnect from her husband and children—remarked that Summerwater serves as a mirror to society. “So many of these characters say quite distasteful things, which we might all have said at some point in our lives,” she noted. Kane hopes the series will encourage viewers to reflect on their own language and the potential impact of their words.
The first episode of Summerwater aired on November 17, 2023, at 21:00 GMT on Channel 4, with all episodes available for streaming. The drama has garnered attention for its timely exploration of pertinent social issues, making it a significant addition to contemporary television discourse.
As the series continues, both Scott and Kane remain hopeful that the conversations sparked by the show will lead to greater awareness and understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration and societal division.
