Former Chelsea and England defender John Terry has sparked backlash after appearing to support Rupert Lowe's proposal to ban immigrants from claiming benefits in the United Kingdom. Dennis Wise also voiced his support for the policy.
Support from Former Footballers
Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe received backing from former Chelsea captains John Terry and Dennis Wise for his controversial policy to ban foreign nationals from claiming benefits. The pair faced criticism after expressing their support for the ex-Southampton chairman.
Lowe, who resigned twice from Southampton during relegation and administration, has become an outspoken political figure. The 68-year-old left Nigel Farage's Reform Party to launch Restore, advocating for deportation of illegal immigrants, protection of British culture, and restoration of Christian principles.
Posting on social media, Lowe stated: "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. Restore Britain would do exactly that, and put our own people first. Finally."
Terry commented: "100% yes," while Wise added: "200%." The comments drew pushback. One user said: "Cool. The odds are that if John Terry and Dennis Wise support something, it's probably best to be on the opposite side to them. Thanks." Another added: "Strange that, they seemed like such lovely, caring characters."
This is not the first time Terry has supported Lowe's posts. The Chelsea academy coach previously agreed with Lowe's hopes to ban the burqa.
Parliamentary Criticism
Lowe was recently shut down in Parliament over his benefit claims. He alleged £10.1 billion in Universal Credit payments in 2024 were 'gifted to foreign nationals' and asked if the solution was to ban foreigners from claiming benefits and remove those unable to support themselves. Labour MP Andrew Western ridiculed Lowe's figures, stating: "The figure that he uses is a complete conflation, a significant overestimation and shows his ignorance if he does not understand that it is impossible to suggest that that money has all been paid directly to foreign nationals. The figure that he uses is drawn from the total number of households with a foreign national in and many of the individual claimants could in fact be British or Irish citizens."
