Farage alleges eastern European migrants are killing and eating swans in London parks; Royal Parks rebuts
Royal Parks says there have been no reported incidents; Farage's claim was made during a radio appearance
London — Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader, claimed on LBC radio on Wednesday that eastern European migrants are killing and eating swans in London's parks, a statement quickly rejected by the Royal Parks charity that maintains the capital's eight royal parks. The remarks, delivered during an interview as Farage was challenged about past comments by Donald Trump, highlighted ongoing tensions over migration and cultural norms in Britain.
The Royal Parks charity, which oversees Hyde Park, Richmond Park and seven other green spaces, said it has not received any reports of people killing or eating swans in its grounds. “We've not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans in London's eight Royal Parks,” a spokesperson said. “Our wildlife officers work closely with the Swan Sanctuary to ensure the welfare of the swans across the parks.”
Farage had previously insisted that evidence would emerge to back up Donald Trump's claims. But when pressed on the former president’s past remarks, he dodged a question about whether he agreed that Trump’s allegations had turned out to be nonsensical. Instead, Farage pivoted to assertions about swans and carp allegedly being taken from UK waters.
During the interview, he was asked whether the migrants he referred to were eastern Europeans. He replied: “If I said to you that swans were being eaten in Royal Parks in this country, that carp were being taken out of ponds and eaten in this country by people who come from cultures that have a different… would you agree it happened, is happening here?” He continued: “The people who are doing it come from countries where it’s quite acceptable to do so… so I believe.”
The exchange occurred amid a broader national conversation about migration and public-space welfare, with the Royal Parks charity asserting that there is no substantiation for Farage’s claim and stressing its ongoing work to protect wildlife across London’s most visited green spaces. The episode underscores how political rhetoric around migration can trigger swift public responses, even when specific incidents lack corroboration or official reporting.
In the view of several conservation and park officials, the focus remains on safeguarding wildlife while ensuring that park-goers feel secure in spaces that are widely used by families, joggers, visitors, and picnickers. The Royal Parks’ response emphasizes that its wildlife-management stance is grounded in documented observations and partnerships with organizations such as the Swan Sanctuary, rather than unverified assertions.
As Britain continues to navigate migration policy and public sentiment, Farage’s comments stir attention to how political figures frame questions of culture, legitimacy, and everyday life in shared urban spaces. Whether similar assertions will resurface remains uncertain, but the Royal Parks’ denials provide a counterpoint to claims that have yet to be corroborated by official reports.