Nigel Farage has urged a Reform candidate to apologize for suggesting that David Lammy should return to the Caribbean. The candidate, Dr. Chris Parry, has faced criticism for alleged racist comments, including questioning the loyalty of politicians from minority backgrounds and implying that converts to Christianity should consume bacon.
Farage, while acknowledging Dr. Parry’s patriotism and service to the UK, believes his remarks about Lammy were excessive and calls for an apology. Dr. Parry has also cast doubt on the loyalty of several other ethnic minority figures, such as Shabana Mahmood, Sadiq Khan, Humza Yousaf, Zarah Sultana, and Anas Sarwar.
In social media posts, Dr. Parry raised questions about Mahmood’s religion and loyalty, alleged Yousaf’s loyalty lies outside the UK, and criticized Lammy’s loyalty as foreign secretary. He also targeted other politicians like Dawn Butler, Kaukab Stewart, and Naz Shah, questioning their loyalty and patriotism.
Labour chairwoman Anna Turley has demanded Dr. Parry’s expulsion from the party, emphasizing the need for unity rather than division. In response, Dr. Parry defended his comments as light-hearted and not to be taken seriously, advocating for stringent verification of asylum claims based on religion.
Farage has called for accountability from Dr. Parry, highlighting the need for respectful discourse and rejecting divisive rhetoric.