Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has broken his silence to demand an apology from one of his party's candidates, Dr Chris Parry, over a social media post telling Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy to "go home" to the Caribbean.
Farage Breaks Silence on Controversial Remarks
After facing significant criticism for his initial inaction, Nigel Farage stated on 7th January 2026 that Dr Parry's comments directed at the London-born Cabinet minister had gone "over the top." The Reform leader finally conceded that the former Royal Navy Rear Admiral should say sorry for the remark, which has been widely condemned as racist.
Farage acknowledged Parry's service and patriotism but drew a line at the attack on Lammy. "I do think his comments on Lammy were over the top and he should apologise for them," Farage said. He also pointed out that Dr Parry had branded many white politicians as unpatriotic, seemingly in an attempt to contextualise the criticism.
A Pattern of Questioning Loyalties
This incident is not isolated. An investigation last month revealed that Dr Chris Parry had questioned the primary loyalty to the UK of at least eight other politicians from minority ethnic backgrounds. The figures targeted include:
- Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan
- Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf
- Independent MP Zarah Sultana
- Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar
In social media posts, Parry suggested that Shabana Mahmood's religion might require loyalty to fellow Muslims before any country, and claimed Humza Yousaf's "first loyalty is not to any country in the UK." He also targeted Labour MPs Dawn Butler and Naz Shah, as well as Scottish minister Kaukab Stewart.
Political Repercussions and Calls for Expulsion
The controversy has ignited a fierce political row. Labour chairwoman Anna Turley accused Farage of failing to show leadership and demanded he expel Dr Parry from Reform UK. "The division and decline Farage peddles is not the path Britain needs," Turley stated.
In a statement from December 2025, Dr Parry defended his posts as "light-hearted" and not intended as serious suggestions. He expressed concern over the "de-Christianisation" of the country and said claims of asylum on religious grounds should be rigorously verified. He concluded by suggesting "woke lefties" protect their mental health by staying off social media if they could not cope with such "banter."
The episode presents a significant challenge for Nigel Farage and Reform UK, testing the party's discipline and its leader's ability to control candidates amidst accusations of fostering division. The call for an apology marks a pivotal moment in the handling of the scandal, though it remains to be seen if Dr Parry will comply and what further action, if any, will be taken.
