Former England captain John Terry has endorsed a proposal to prohibit 'foreigners claiming benefits', as the Chelsea legend reiterated his support for the Restore Britain party. Terry responded to an Instagram post by Rupert Lowe, the former Reform UK MP who recently launched Restore Britain, a new political party.
Lowe's parliamentary question
Lowe had shared a video of his question to Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, in the House of Commons on Monday. The former Southampton chairman included the query in his Instagram post.
'We should ban foreigners from claiming benefits, and remove migrants who are incapable of financially supporting themselves - use those many saved billions to slash tax for the British men and women keeping the economy running,' Lowe wrote. 'Restore Britain would do exactly that, and put our own people first. Finally.'
Terry's response
Terry signalled his support in the comments, writing '100% yes' in reply. Another former Chelsea captain, Dennis Wise, who captained the club from 1993 to 2001, added '200%' in a separate response.
This is not the first time Terry has publicly backed Lowe, the MP for Great Yarmouth. In March, Terry appeared to support calls to ban the burqa in the UK after Lowe shared a post on Instagram showing a London Underground station with Bengali signage.
Lowe's post stated: 'This picture was taken in London. Restore Britain would ban the burqa, and Restore Britain would ensure that all London stations use English, and English only. Enough is enough. Vote Restore Britain to get our capital city back.'
A burqa is a garment worn by some Muslim women that covers the entire body except for a small slit around the eyes. European countries like France have previously banned it in public spaces.
Backlash and defence
Terry commented on Lowe's post with three clapping emojis and an England flag, sparking backlash. However, Lowe shared another post defending Terry, stating: 'I see that England/Chelsea legend John Terry is taking some flak for applauding Restore Britain's policy of banning the burqa and ensuring that all London stations use English, and English only. This is the position the vast majority of the British people support. There is now a political party that will say exactly what people think and fight to make it happen. Restore Britain. If we get called names? WHO CARES.'
Lowe, 68, was elected as a Reform UK MP in 2024 but was later suspended and left the party after allegations of threatening behaviour and workplace bullying, which he denied, claiming he was a victim of a 'witch hunt' for criticising Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Terry's career update
Terry, 45, currently holds a part-time consultancy role in Chelsea's academy setup. He recently confirmed he was not asked to join interim manager Calum McFarlane's backroom staff, after expressing frustration at being overlooked in January. Speaking last year, Terry said it was 'difficult to fathom' why he had not been given a management opportunity at Chelsea.
'I'm not sure it ever happens, to be honest. It's my one last dream I have at the football club. I've done everything at Chelsea. And for me now, the one thing that is missing is being the manager of the football club,' Terry said. He added that he learned enough from his 22-year playing career and time as an assistant at Aston Villa and Leicester City to be ready for a head coach role.
Terry has also been linked with a potential role in a £14 million takeover of Colchester United, having attended one of their matches earlier this month.
