Labour has recently accused Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, of neglecting issues of racism within his party. This follows controversial remarks made by Chris Parry, the party’s candidate for the Hampshire and Solent mayoralty.
Controversial Comments Spark Outrage
Chris Parry, a former Royal Navy officer, stated on X that David Lammy, who is the current Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, “must go home to the Caribbean where his loyalties lie.” Lammy, born to Guyanese parents in Archway, London, quickly responded, urging Farage to address the “1950s-style hate” present in his party.
Reform’s Defense and Response
When questioned about his statement, Parry insisted that people should “not believe everything you read in the newspapers.” He implied that Lammy’s primary loyalty should be to the United Kingdom, sparking further debate. Richard Tice, the Deputy Leader of Reform UK, refused to apologize for Parry’s statements, asserting that Lammy’s performance as a cabinet minister is open to scrutiny.
Labour’s Formal Complaint
In response to the escalating tensions, Anna Turley, Chair of the Labour Party, has formally written to Farage, demanding Parry’s removal from the party. Turley emphasized that questioning a politician’s loyalty based on ethnicity is fundamentally racist. She stated:
- “Telling a Black British man to ‘go home to the Caribbean’ is racist.”
- “This type of rhetoric should not have a place in politics.”
- “Failure to act on such comments reflects a willingness to turn a blind eye to racism.”
Previous Incidents Highlighted
Turley noted that Reform UK has previously expelled members for making inappropriate comments, citing a past incident involving the abuse of Lammy. She urged Farage to demonstrate a commitment to combating racism within his party by taking action against Parry.
This incident has raised serious questions regarding the accountability of political leaders in addressing issues of race and inclusivity within their parties. Reform UK’s ongoing defense of Parry’s remarks could suggest deeper challenges in confronting racism in political discourse.
