Royal Parks Deny Nigel Farage’s Allegation That Migrants Are Consuming Swans on Their Property
The Royal Parks have firmly dismissed Nigel Farage’s recent assertion that migrants are responsible for killing and eating swans within their grounds.
During an interview on LBC earlier today, the Reform UK leader made this claim while sidestepping a question about former US President Donald Trump’s controversial statement last year. Trump had alleged that migrants in Ohio were consuming dogs and cats, a remark widely condemned as a racist stereotype.
Nick Ferrari of LBC questioned Farage about Trump’s claim from a year ago. Farage responded by suggesting that such statements usually have some factual basis and even wagered £10 that evidence would surface within a month to substantiate Trump’s comment.
Now, a year later, Ferrari challenged Farage to honor the bet, pointing out that no proof has emerged to validate Trump’s allegation.
Farage declined to pay, insisting he would only hand over the money if Ferrari could demonstrate that Trump’s claim was false.
“If I told you that swans were being eaten in royal parks and carp were being taken from ponds and consumed by people from different cultural backgrounds, would you accept that this is happening?” Farage asked.
When pressed on who he believed was responsible, Farage replied, “people from countries where such practices are culturally accepted,” and when asked if he meant Eastern Europeans, he affirmed, “That is my belief.”
A spokesperson for Royal Parks responded:
“We have not received any reports of individuals killing or consuming swans in any of London’s eight Royal Parks. Our wildlife officers collaborate closely with the Swan Sanctuary to safeguard the wellbeing of swans throughout the parks.”
Allegations about migrants eating swans have sporadically appeared in British media over the years. However, these claims rarely come with credible evidence, and law enforcement has not apprehended anyone linked to such accusations in recent times.
Approximately a year ago, Nigel Farage expressed confidence in Donald Trump’s assertions, suggesting that when Trump made controversial claims, there was often some element of truth behind them. Farage even wagered £10 with Nick Ferrari, predicting that within a month, evidence would surface to validate Trump’s statements.
However, today Ferrari has called on Farage to honor his bet, pointing out that a year later, Trump has yet to provide any proof supporting his claims.
Farage declined to pay, insisting that he would only hand over the £10 if Ferrari could demonstrate that Trump’s assertions were false.
He elaborated:
“If I told you that swans were being hunted and consumed in royal parks, and that carp were being taken from ponds and eaten by people from different cultural backgrounds, would you accept that as happening?”
When pressed about who might be responsible, Farage replied, “Individuals from countries where such practices are culturally accepted.” When asked if he was referring to Eastern Europeans, he responded, “That is my belief.”
A spokesperson for Royal Parks responded:
“We have not received any reports of swans being killed or eaten within London’s eight Royal Parks. Our wildlife officers collaborate closely with the Swan Sanctuary to safeguard the wellbeing of swans throughout the parks.”
Allegations of migrants consuming swans have sporadically appeared in British media over the years, but these claims rarely come with substantial evidence. In recent times, law enforcement has not apprehended anyone linked to such accusations.
The Cabinet Office has announced that it has saved £480 million by deploying AI-driven data analytics in what it describes as the government’s most extensive fraud prevention initiative to date. According to a official statement:
“More than a third of the savings (£186 million) stem from uncovering and recovering fraud related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Government actions have prevented hundreds of thousands of companies with questionable Bounce Back Loans from dissolving to avoid repayment. Additionally, millions have been reclaimed from businesses that either fraudulently obtained Covid loans or secured multiple loans when only eligible for one.”
“Beyond Covid-related fraud, the record savings up to April 2025 also include cracking down on unlawful claims for single-person council tax discounts and removing individuals from social housing waiting lists who intended to illegally sublet their discounted homes at public expense.”
The Liberal Democrats have strongly criticized Nigel Farage for his remarks linking Donald Trump, paracetamol, and autism. Helen Morgan, the party’s health spokesperson, stated:
“Nigel Farage is attempting to bring Trump’s hazardous anti-science rhetoric to the UK. Spreading such misinformation is reckless and unacceptable.”
“It appears Farage would prefer pregnant women to endure pain rather than challenge his idol, Donald Trump.”
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, devoted a significant portion of his party conference address to condemning Farage. When questioned about Davey’s speech, Farage dismissed it as “Farage derangement syndrome,” adding:
“Davey failed to articulate what he stands for, focusing solely on opposing me and Trump. He rejects the idea of a Trump-style nation.”
“I get it-he opposes borders, economic growth, and the removal of men from women’s sports. Frankly, I don’t think anything he said deserves serious consideration.”
For further insight, see Peter Walker’s coverage of Davey’s speech and Rafael Behr’s commentary on the Liberal Democrats’ stance.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has refrained from supporting UK medical authorities who reject Donald Trump’s claim linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism. In an LBC interview, Farage admitted uncertainty about the validity of Trump’s statement, which has been widely discredited by global health experts as baseless and potentially harmful.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency recently affirmed:
“There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief for pregnant women when used as directed.”
When LBC’s Nick Ferrari asked Farage if he believed Trump’s claim, Farage responded:
“I have no idea. We were once told thalidomide was safe, and it wasn’t. Who knows? Nick, I don’t know, and you don’t know.”
“Trump has a personal connection to autism in his family, so he feels strongly about it. But I simply don’t know.”
Asked whether he sides with scientific consensus, Farage said:
“I don’t side with anyone on science because it’s never settled, and we should keep that in mind.”
Farage’s comparison to thalidomide is likely to be viewed as fearmongering. Thalidomide, a sedative from the late 1950s, was withdrawn after being linked to birth defects. In contrast, paracetamol has been safely used for about seven decades, with numerous studies confirming its safety during pregnancy.
Farage has similarly questioned the scientific consensus on climate change, rejecting the overwhelming expert agreement by claiming the science is disputed. He also tends to avoid criticizing Trump, whom he regards as an ally due to shared nationalist and anti-immigration views.
However, in the LBC interview, Farage did not endorse Trump’s assertion that sharia law is being established in London. He suggested that while Trump’s concerns should be taken seriously, they should not be interpreted literally, stating:
“Is Trump correct that sharia is an issue in London? Yes. Is it a dominant issue right now? No.”
Pat McFadden, the UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, also dismissed Donald Trump’s false allegation that London Mayor Sadiq Khan is implementing sharia law in the city. While some Labour MPs reacted strongly, accusing Trump of Islamophobia, McFadden took a more measured approach.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, McFadden said:
“I’m here at Selhurst Park in South London, where British law prevails, not sharia law.”
“London is a fantastic capital and a valuable asset to the UK. I respectfully disagree with the president on this matter.”
He added:
“I believe this is a misunderstanding of our great city.”
In a separate Times Radio interview, McFadden noted that Trump and Khan have had a longstanding rivalry.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, joined Labour MPs in condemning Trump’s remarks more forcefully, tweeting:
“I’ve known @SadiqKhan for over 30 years. He’s a feminist, socialist, and LGBTQ+ ally. I’m proud he’s our London mayor. For the record, he’s as interested in introducing sharia law to London as I am-that is, not at all. Those suggesting otherwise are either deluded or have a very sinister agenda.”
Wes Streeting Condemns Nigel Farage’s Suggestion That Trump’s Paracetamol Warning Could Be Valid
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has strongly criticized Nigel Farage for insinuating that former US President Donald Trump might be correct about the dangers of paracetamol use during pregnancy. (See 10:23am update.)
“This is reckless and irresponsible,” Streeting stated. “Farage is peddling misinformation, and it’s time people stopped falling for it.”
MPs Call for Enhanced Rights for UK’s YouTube and TikTok Creators
A newly formed cross-party coalition of Members of Parliament and peers is advocating for improved protections and support for Britain’s expanding community of digital content creators. Michael Savage reports that these creators often face challenges ranging from accessing essential equipment to securing mortgages.
Sadiq Khan Denounces Donald Trump’s Accusations of Sharia Law in London
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has responded sharply to Donald Trump’s recent claim that sharia law is being implemented in the UK capital.
Speaking to Sky News, Khan remarked that he seemed to “occupy a significant space in Trump’s mind,” attributing the former president’s hostility to the fact that Khan is “a Muslim man leading a liberal, diverse, and thriving city.”
When questioned about whether Trump’s remarks were Islamophobic, Khan said:
“Actions and words speak volumes; you have to take them at face value.”
Pressed further on whether he believed Trump’s comments were motivated by Islamophobia, Khan replied:
“President Trump has demonstrated that he harbors racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic views.”
Khan also noted that many Americans are relocating to London to escape the political climate under Trump’s administration.
Regarding Labour leader Keir Starmer’s approach to Trump, Khan suggested that Starmer should be more willing to confront the former president when necessary, stating:
“A special relationship is like a close friendship-you expect honesty and accountability. While we collaborate on trade and defense, it’s equally important to have the courage to call out wrongdoing. Trump is wrong on many fronts.”
Royal Parks Refute Nigel Farage’s Claim That Migrants Are Eating Swans
The Royal Parks organization has dismissed allegations made by Nigel Farage that migrants are killing and consuming swans within their grounds.
Farage made these assertions during an interview on LBC, deflecting questions about Donald Trump’s controversial claim last year that migrants in Ohio were eating pets-a statement widely condemned as racist.
In the interview, Farage wagered £10 with host Nick Ferrari that evidence would soon emerge supporting Trump’s claim. When challenged a year later, Farage refused to pay, insisting Ferrari must prove Trump was wrong.
“If I told you that swans were being eaten in royal parks and carps taken from ponds by people from different cultures, would you accept that’s happening?” Farage asked.
When pressed on who was responsible, Farage suggested it was “people from countries where such behavior is culturally accepted,” implying Eastern Europeans.
A Royal Parks spokesperson responded:
“We have received no reports of swans being killed or eaten in London’s eight Royal Parks. Our wildlife officers collaborate closely with the Swan Sanctuary to protect these birds.”
Claims about migrants eating swans have surfaced sporadically in UK media over the years but lack credible evidence, and no arrests have been made in connection with these allegations recently.
Government Reports £480 Million Savings Through AI-Powered Fraud Detection
The Cabinet Office announced that the government has saved £480 million by deploying artificial intelligence tools to identify and prevent fraud, describing it as the largest fraud crackdown in government history.
“More than a third of these savings (£186 million) stem from uncovering and recovering fraudulent claims made during the Covid-19 pandemic. Efforts have prevented hundreds of thousands of companies with questionable Bounce Back Loans from dissolving to avoid repayment. Additionally, millions have been reclaimed from firms that improperly obtained multiple loans or were ineligible,” the statement said.
Beyond Covid-related fraud, the savings also include tackling unlawful claims for single-person council tax discounts and removing individuals from social housing waiting lists who intended to illegally sublet their homes.
Council-Owned Hotel Cancels Launch Event for New Political Party Linked to Tommy Robinson and Elon Musk
A hotel owned by a local council has withdrawn its booking for a launch event of a new political party supported by right-wing activist Tommy Robinson and billionaire Elon Musk, according to PA Media.
“Advance UK, led by former Reform deputy Ben Habib, had planned a conference in Newcastle this Saturday. The event was initially announced without disclosing the venue but was believed to be scheduled at the Crowne Plaza hotel in the city center,” the report states.
The party described Newcastle as “the symbolic heart of Brexit” and pledged to champion sovereignty, free speech, and national pride.
Following an online campaign, the hotel management canceled the booking citing “health and safety concerns,” Newcastle city council confirmed.
Lib Dems Criticize Farage for Echoing ‘Trump’s Harmful Anti-Science Views’
The Liberal Democrats have strongly rebuked Nigel Farage for his remarks linking Donald Trump, paracetamol, and autism. Helen Morgan, the party’s health spokesperson, stated:
Nigel Farage appears intent on importing Trump’s perilous anti-science rhetoric into the UK. Spreading such misinformation is both reckless and unjustifiable.
It seems Farage prioritizes denying pain relief to expectant mothers rather than challenging his political idol, Donald Trump.
Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, dedicated a significant portion of his recent conference address to criticizing Farage. When questioned about this, Farage dismissed Davey’s comments as symptoms of “Farage derangement syndrome,” adding:
Davey failed to articulate a positive vision, focusing solely on opposing me and Trump. He clearly rejects the idea of a Trump-style Britain.
From what I gather, he opposes border controls, economic expansion, and the exclusion of men from women’s sports. Frankly, I don’t believe anything he said deserves serious consideration.
For further insight, see Peter Walker’s coverage of Davey’s speech and Rafael Behr’s commentary on the Liberal Democrats’ stance.
Farage Refuses to Support UK Health Experts Who Reject Trump’s Paracetamol-Autism Link
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has declined to endorse UK medical authorities who have dismissed Donald Trump’s assertion that taking paracetamol during pregnancy may cause autism in children.
During an interview on LBC, Farage admitted uncertainty about the validity of Trump’s claim, stating:
I have no clue. Remember, thalidomide was once considered safe but later proved harmful. Who can say for sure? Neither you nor I know.
Trump’s focus on autism likely stems from personal family experiences. Beyond that, I’m unsure.
Public health bodies worldwide have widely condemned Trump’s statement as baseless and potentially hazardous. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency recently affirmed:
There is no scientific evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism. Paracetamol remains the recommended painkiller for pregnant women when used appropriately.
When pressed on whether he sides with medical experts, Farage responded:
Science is never absolute, so I don’t align myself with any side. We must remember that scientific understanding evolves.
Farage’s comparison to thalidomide is widely viewed as fearmongering. Unlike thalidomide, paracetamol has been safely used for decades, with extensive research supporting its safety during pregnancy.
Farage has similarly questioned the scientific consensus on climate change, rejecting the overwhelming evidence of global warming by claiming the science is unsettled. He also typically refrains from criticizing Trump, whose nationalist and anti-immigration views align closely with Reform UK’s platform.
However, in the same LBC interview, Farage did not endorse Trump’s claim that sharia law is being established in London, suggesting the president’s remarks should be taken seriously but not literally:
Is sharia law a concern in London? Yes, to some extent. But it is not a dominant issue at this time.
Pat McFadden Politely Refutes Trump’s False Sharia Law Claims About London
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden addressed Donald Trump’s unfounded allegation that London Mayor Sadiq Khan is introducing sharia law in the city. While some Labour MPs have condemned Trump’s remarks as Islamophobic, McFadden responded with measured humor.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast from Selhurst Park, McFadden said:
Here in south London, British law prevails, not sharia law. London is a remarkable capital and a valuable asset to the UK. I respectfully disagree with the president’s characterization.
McFadden also noted that Trump had a successful state visit. When asked again about the sharia law claim, he described it as a misunderstanding of London’s character:
I believe it’s a misinterpretation of our great capital city.
In a separate interview on Times Radio, McFadden acknowledged the longstanding tension between Trump and Khan.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, joined other Labour MPs in strongly condemning Trump’s comments, tweeting:
I’ve known Sadiq Khan for over 30 years. He is a feminist, socialist, and LGBTQ+ ally. I’m proud he’s our mayor. The idea that he’s introducing sharia law is utterly false and either deluded or malicious.
Pat McFadden Rejects Tory Allegations That Morgan McSweeney Misled Electoral Watchdog
Good morning. Pat McFadden has been active in media appearances today, now serving as Work and Pensions Secretary. His interviews, conducted from Selhurst Park, primarily focused on a £25 million initiative involving Premier League clubs expanding youth hubs.
Previously Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, McFadden has experience managing media crises and was questioned about recent Conservative accusations that Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister’s chief of staff, misled the Electoral Commission regarding donations to a Labour thinktank during opposition years.
The Tories intensified their campaign last night by releasing a leaked email from a Labour lawyer to McSweeney, suggesting advice was given to withhold full details from the watchdog. The Daily Mail prominently featured the story. Our detailed report is available for reference.
Despite the media attention, the story has not gained significant traction; BBC Breakfast did not raise the issue with McFadden. However, on Times Radio, when asked about his confidence in McSweeney, McFadden replied:
Absolutely. I worked closely with him during the election campaign. He is exceptionally talented.
On the Today programme, McFadden was asked if he was certain McSweeney had done nothing wrong. He responded:
The Electoral Commission reviewed these matters some years ago and had nothing further to add. I’m not surprised the Conservatives are targeting someone who played a crucial role in Labour’s recent election success.
Pressed again on whether he believed McSweeney committed any criminal wrongdoing, McFadden reiterated:
The Electoral Commission, responsible for overseeing declarations, investigated this thoroughly back in 2021 and found no issues.
More updates from McFadden’s interviews will follow.
With Parliament in recess and both Labour and Conservative parties preparing for their upcoming conferences, the political calendar may seem quiet, but news developments continue to emerge.
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