Nigel Farage has urged a Reform party candidate to issue an apology for suggesting that David Lammy should return to the Caribbean. The candidate, Dr. Chris Parry, has faced backlash for allegedly making racially insensitive comments, including questioning the loyalty of politicians from minority backgrounds and proposing that converts to Christianity should consume bacon.
Farage, while acknowledging Dr. Parry’s service and patriotism, criticized his remarks about Lammy as excessive and called for an apology. He noted that Dr. Parry has also criticized white politicians for being unpatriotic. Recent revelations show that Dr. Parry questioned the loyalty of several other figures from minority backgrounds, such as Shabana Mahmood, Sadiq Khan, Humza Yousaf, Zarah Sultana, and Anas Sarwar.
A review of Dr. Parry’s social media activity uncovered comments implying doubts about the loyalty of individuals based on their religious affiliations. Labour chairwoman Anna Turley has called for Dr. Parry’s expulsion from the party, denouncing the divisive rhetoric promoted by Farage.
In response to the criticism, Dr. Parry stated that his comments were meant to be light-hearted and not taken seriously, emphasizing concerns about the decline of Christianity in the UK and the need for thorough verification of asylum claims based on religion. He suggested that those sensitive to such banter should avoid social media for their mental well-being.
The ongoing controversy underscores the tensions surrounding issues of race, loyalty, and religion in political discourse.
