A senior candidate from Reform UK is facing new backlash for making controversial remarks suggesting that individuals of non-Christian faiths should consume bacon to demonstrate their commitment to Christianity. Chris Parry, the party’s candidate for the Hampshire and Solent mayoral position, referenced an article expressing concerns about migrants undergoing baptism in hotel bathtubs to obtain asylum.
In a social media post in October, Dr. Parry suggested that individuals from different religious backgrounds should eat bacon for a month to exhibit their Christian dedication. Additionally, he shared an image of a microwave labeled for Halal food only, later commenting that he would put sausages in it, despite the dietary restrictions on pork in Islam.
In another post the following month, Dr. Parry, a former senior Royal Navy officer, reiterated his proposal for Christian converts to consume pork for a month. This stirred up further controversy, especially as he referenced a story about the Archbishop of Canterbury supporting churches baptizing asylum seekers amid concerns of potential exploitation of the system through religious conversion.
Pressure has mounted on Nigel Farage to dismiss Dr. Parry, who has also faced criticism for previous comments, including telling David Lammy to return to the Caribbean. Anna Turley, Chair of the Labour Party, condemned Dr. Parry’s statements as unacceptable for a public figure, highlighting concerns about Farage’s decision not to remove him from Reform UK.
Dr. Parry’s remarks questioning the loyalty of public figures from minority ethnic backgrounds to the UK have also drawn scrutiny. He defended his comments as light-hearted and aimed at highlighting the need for thorough verification of asylum claims based on religion. Reform UK has chosen not to provide a statement on the matter.