Nigel Farage Caught Saying Eastern Europeans Are 'Eating Our Swans in Royal Parks' - What Did He Mean?

In a heated LBC phone-in on 24 September 2025, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stunned listeners by alleging Eastern European migrants were killing and eating swans in London's Royal Parks, fuelling fresh debate over UK immigration and cultural integration in Britain.

The provocative statement, delivered amid rising concerns over migrant integration, quickly drew backlash as authorities highlighted the protected status of these iconic birds under longstanding wildlife laws.

As 2025 immigration figures show continued EU inflows, Farage's remarks underscore tensions in Britain's evolving demographic landscape, prompting renewed calls for evidence-based discourse over sensational rhetoric.

Farage Ignites Fury with Swan-Eating Allegation

Farage made his bold claim during a Wednesday morning broadcast, questioning host Nick Ferrari directly. '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 later clarified his belief that the alleged perpetrators were Eastern Europeans from nations where such practices might be culturally acceptable. The Reform UK leader framed the incident as evidence of broader cultural clashes brought on by mass migration, a theme central to his party's 2025 platform.

Farage offered no concrete proof during the exchange, relying instead on his personal belief. This approach echoes his past tactics: blending personal observations with policy critiques to rally voters concerned about UK immigration trends.

Royal Parks and RSPCA Swiftly Debunk Poaching Claims

The Royal Parks, custodians of sites like Hyde Park and Richmond Park, issued a firm rebuttal. 'We've not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans in London's eight Royal Parks,' a spokesperson stated, emphasising close collaboration with the Swan Sanctuary to safeguard bird welfare.

Swans remain strictly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, with offences carrying fines up to £5,000 or six months' imprisonment. Officials confirmed no reports of swan poaching across the capital's green spaces this year.

The RSPCA also weighed in, clarifying that a video circulating online of apparent swan consumption actually originated from a 2010 episode of its TV series Animal Squad. 'Wild birds, including swans, are protected... it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure, or take them except under licence,' the charity stated, calling for verifiable evidence over hearsay.

Immigration Figures Highlight Cultural Integration Challenges

According to official figures, there were 134.8 million total arrivals into the UK in the year ending June 2025, with UK citizens accounting for 56%. Among non-UK arrivals, 335,000 EU Settlement Scheme grants were issued—down 3% from the previous year—with many recipients from Eastern Europe.

Farage's outburst ties into Reform UK's push for stricter immigration controls, arguing that such events expose integration gaps in diverse communities. However, experts advocate for education and community programmes over blame, citing 2025 survey data indicating 69% of the public perceive good local cohesion among diverse groups.

Sky News pressed Reform MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns on the claim's veracity, posting a clip on X where presenter Darren McCaffrey challenged: 'You can't just go around saying you've heard stuff, can you?' alongside the confrontation footage. Jenkyns defended Farage's intent to spotlight concerns, but struggled to provide substantiation.

The episode exemplifies how immigration discourse in 2025 continues to blur the line between fact and anecdote. As Royal Parks thrive with protected wildlife, the real work lies in bridging divides through informed dialogue, not fear.