ROYAL PARKS DISPUTE CLAIM BY REFORM LEADER OVER SWAN EATING
The Royal Parks charity which is responsible for both Bushy and Richmond Parks has responded following claims by Reform Leader Nigel Farage that migrants are stealing and eating swans.
A Royal Parks charity spokesperson said: “We’ve not had any incidents reported to us of people killing or eating swans in London’s eight Royal Parks.
“Our wildlife officers work closely with the Swan Sanctuary to ensure the welfare of the swans across the parks.”
Swans can often be seen in the Heron Pond in Bushy Park and the lake surrounding the Diana Fountain. There have been incidents of swans being attacked by out of control dogs.
The Reform UK leader alleged that Eastern European migrants are taking swans from the parks in Britain after videos have gone viral on social media in recent years.
Footage appears to show migrants with swans and geese. However, these have not been proved.
Speaking on Nick Ferrari’s LBC show, Mr Farage said: “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 being eaten, by people who come from cultures that have a different … would you agree it’s happening here?”