Hanson defends far-right meeting as One Nation distances itself amid sliding polls

Pauline Hanson has refused to apologise for her meeting with far-right activist Tommy Robinson, during a tense interview on 7NEWS Spotlight set to air on Sunday. The One Nation leader faced sharp questioning from journalist Liam Bartlett, who challenged her views so that viewers could make an informed decision, according to tvtonight.com.au.

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7NEWSPauline Hanson defends Tommy Robinson meeting in 7NEWS Spotlight interview airing Sundaytvtonight.com.au7News Spotlight: June 19

"She refuses to apologise in a tense conversation."

The interview comes after a week that saw the party publicly distance itself from Hanson's decision to appear on Robinson's podcast while visiting the UK, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The publication also noted sliding poll numbers and that a top One Nation staffer had broken silence on the trip as former deputy leader Barnaby Joyce expressed anger.

Sydney Morning HeraldTop One Nation staffer breaks silence on Hanson’s UK trip as Joyce fumes back home

During her UK tour, Hanson told Robinson that her daughter Lee could one day lead One Nation, but would have to prove herself because there would be no nepotism, the Brisbane Times reported. The Age reported that Hanson singled out a particular UK town as highlighting everything wrong with Britain and the fate awaiting Australia, prompting the outlet to ask locals what they thought.

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The AgeInside the UK town Pauline Hanson cannot standBrisbane Times‘She’s the future’: Hanson reveals daughter could lead One Nation

Back in Australia, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young called for Hanson to return and apologise, while Labor's Mark Butler ridiculed her NDIS claims made on the far-right podcast, the Guardian reported. The Guardian quoted one politician calling Hanson's behaviour "un-Australian" for laughing on Robinson's show about Australian multiculturalism.

The GuardianAustralia news live: Mark Butler ridicules Pauline Hanson’s NDIS claims on UK far-right activist’s podcast

"To go overseas to hang out with a criminal thug … to be laughing on his show about multiculturalism back here in Australia, which are our communities, Australian citizens, and the people who make this country great."

Hanson has so far shown no sign of backing down, with the Spotlight interview airing as the party continues to deal with fallout over both the UK trip and reported antisemitic remarks by a One Nation senator, the Sydney Morning Herald noted.