Rupert Lowe, leader of the Restore Britain party, has been accused of insulting the victims of the 1996 Dunblane school massacre after he described the tragedy as “one murder” during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. The comments have sparked fresh calls for an apology from the right-wing populist, who has so far refused to say sorry.
Lowe’s Controversial Remarks on Gun Control
During the podcast, Lowe was discussing the UK’s strict gun control laws, which were introduced after the Dunblane shooting. He told Rogan that the laws were a result of “a murder up in Dunblane.” Rogan responded, “One murder?” and Lowe replied, “One murder.” The exchange has been widely condemned, given that the Dunblane massacre claimed the lives of 16 children and their teacher, with 18 others physically injured.
Lowe, a millionaire businessman and former owner of Southampton Football Club, was previously expelled from Reform UK. He now leads Restore Britain, a party with only one elected representative in Scotland but growing support in UK-wide polls.
Political and Public Backlash
Keith Brown, the SNP depute leader and MSP for Dunblane, told the Record: “Rupert Lowe’s disgraceful comments were an insult to the victims, their families and the whole community around Dunblane. He simply must apologise for the gross offence he has caused.” Brown added that the campaign to ban handguns was a “proud legacy” that “must never be tarnished by the likes of Rupert Lowe.”
Kenny Ross, who lost his five-year-old daughter Joanna in the massacre, said: “The ignorance of some people when it comes to the Dunblane massacre… they don’t realise how devastating it was and how we have a far safer society because there is no longer private gun ownership.” Jack Crozier, whose sister Emma was killed, remarked: “Rupert Lowe’s father had his pistols taken away. My father had his daughter taken away. He knew exactly what happened at Dunblane.”
Restore Britain’s Internal Response
Kintyre councillor Tommy Macpherson, who defected to Restore Britain in March but sits as an independent on Argyll & Bute Council, said he had not spoken to Lowe about the exchange and would “not speculate on what he intended.” He added: “The remarks relating to Dunblane are a matter for Rupert Lowe to address directly.” Macpherson acknowledged the tragedy, stating: “The Dunblane massacre was a horrific tragedy… the impact of that day continues to be felt.”
Lowe’s comments have been heard by millions, as Rogan’s podcast is one of the most popular political programmes globally. The MP for Great Yarmouth has attempted to position himself to the right of Reform UK on issues like immigration, but this latest controversy may damage his standing.
