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A Reform UK MP has been branded “irresponsible” after suggesting that England’s football team needs to keep winning games in the World Cup to prevent a spike in incidents of domestic abuse.

Sarah Pochin, the Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, made the claim in a short video message posted on social media the day after England won their first World Cup game 4-2 to Croatia.

“England won the football last night, and thank goodness they did,” she said.

Ms Pochin added: “Because on the occasions that England lose their football matches, the incidences of domestic violence go through the roof. So boys, keep winning.”

Leading charities which support domestic abuse victims were among those who criticised Ms Pochin’s remarks.

Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said: “Football does not cause domestic abuse – it is a choice that is made by the abuser, time and again, regardless of whether a team wins or loses a match.”