Former Chelsea and England captain John Terry has found himself at the centre of a political row after apparently expressing support for a proposal to ban the burqa in the UK, posted by the founder of a newly launched political party.
Terry responded to an Instagram post by Rupert Lowe — the former Reform UK MP who recently established a new party called Restore Britain — with three clapping emojis and an England flag. The post in question showed a London Underground station featuring Bengali signage, with Lowe arguing that all London stations should display English-only text and that Restore Britain would ban the burqa if it gained political power.
The former defender’s apparent endorsement drew immediate criticism online. Lowe responded by defending Terry publicly, reposting the same image and arguing that the “vast majority of the British people” supported both policies. “More people need to show some courage and stand up for what the majority thinks,” Lowe wrote, adding that his party would “get our country back.”
Lowe, who represents Great Yarmouth, was elected as a Reform UK MP in 2024 before being suspended and later leaving the party following allegations of threatening behaviour and workplace bullying toward a colleague. He has denied those claims, describing the episode as a “witch hunt” orchestrated after he publicly criticised Reform leader Nigel Farage.
The burqa — worn by some Muslim women to cover the body with a small opening around the eyes — has been banned in public spaces in several European countries including France. No such legislation currently exists in the United Kingdom.
Terry’s apparent political views have attracted attention alongside other recent public appearances. Earlier this week he was photographed skiing in France while carrying a St George’s flag. The former defender has also previously attracted controversy for describing the UK government’s treatment of former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich as “disgusting.” Abramovich, who owned Chelsea from 2003 to 2022, sold the club following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and his subsequent sanctioning by the British government. The £2.5 billion proceeds of the sale remain in a frozen UK bank account pending release to charities supporting victims of the conflict.
Neither Terry nor his representatives have issued a formal public statement in response to the backlash over the Instagram exchange.
