Nigel Farage has urged a controversial Reform candidate to issue an apology for suggesting that David Lammy should return to the Caribbean. The candidate, Dr. Chris Parry, has faced criticism for allegedly making racist comments, including questioning the loyalty of politicians from minority backgrounds and proposing that Christian converts should consume bacon.
Farage, while acknowledging Parry’s patriotism and service to the country as a former Rear Admiral in the Royal Navy, expressed disapproval of his remarks towards Lammy and emphasized the need for an apology. Parry’s scrutiny extended to other minority ethnic figures, insinuating doubts about their loyalty to the UK, such as Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf.
Social media posts by Parry raised further concerns, with comments like questioning Mahmood’s religious obligations and alleging that Yousaf’s primary loyalty lies elsewhere. Opposition figures like Labour chairwoman Anna Turley have called for Parry’s expulsion from the party, denouncing Farage’s association with divisive rhetoric.
In response to the backlash, Parry defended his statements as light-hearted and not to be taken seriously, highlighting concerns about the “de-Christianization” of the country and advocating for stringent verification of asylum claims based on religion. This controversy has sparked debates about the boundaries of free speech and responsible discourse in political settings.