"Restore Britain would ban the burka"
Former England captain John Terry appeared to endorse calls for a burqa ban in Britain, dividing opinion online.
Terry responded to an Instagram post by Rupert Lowe with three clapping emojis and a St George’s Cross, signalling apparent support.
Lowe’s original post featured an image of a London Underground station displaying Bengali signage. He paired it with a pledge to prohibit the burqa and enforce English-only signs across the capital’s transport network.
The politician wrote: “This picture was taken in London.
“Restore Britain would ban the burka, and Restore Britain would ensure that all London stations use English, and English only. Enough is enough.
“Vote Restore Britain to get our capital city back.”
John Terry’s reaction sparked debate on social media, drawing both criticism and support.
Narinder Kaur tweeted: “Ex-England captain John Terry appears to have endorsed Restore UK.
“Obviously, this is of no surprise to anyone. I never understood why he was banned and fined by the FA after an alleged racist incident and then later cleared in court.”
Defending him, a comment read: “If that’s his views and what he supports, then what’s wrong with that??”
Following the backlash, Lowe issued a strong defence of Terry, writing:
“I see that England/Chelsea legend John Terry is taking some flak for applauding Restore Britain’s policy of banning the burqa and ensuring that all London stations use English, and English only.
“This is the position the vast majority of the British people support.”
Lowe also dismissed the criticism, adding:
“If we get called names? WHO CARES. It does not matter. We do not care, and nor should you.”
“This isn’t 2015 anymore. These insults mean nothing.
“More people need to show some courage and stand up for what the majority thinks.”
Rupert Lowe founded the Restore Britain party in June 2025 after leaving Reform UK, which sits on the right-wing to far-right of the political spectrum.
The 68-year-old MP for Great Yarmouth was elected in 2024. He was later suspended from Reform UK over allegations of threatening behaviour towards a colleague and workplace bullying.
He denied the claims and said he was the victim of a “witch hunt” after criticising party leader Nigel Farage.
John Terry won five Premier League titles with Chelsea and was England captain from 2006 until 2011 when he was stripped of the captaincy after being accused of racial abuse by Anton Ferdinand.
Terry was acquitted in a criminal case, but the FA investigation found him guilty of using “abusive and/or insulting words” that included a reference to race. He was banned for four matches and given a £220,000 fine.
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