Reform Mayoral Candidate’s Controversial Comments on Shomrim
Chris Parry, Reform’s mayoral candidate for Hampshire, described members of the Jewish neighbourhood watch group Shomrim as “cosplayers” and compared them to “Islamists on horseback” in remarks made shortly after an arson attack on ambulances operated by a Jewish charity in north London.
Context of the Arson Attack
The attack targeted ambulances belonging to Hatzola, a charity ambulance service that provides emergency medical response and hospital transportation for both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals. The incident occurred early on Monday morning in north London. Police confirmed that counter-terrorism officers are leading the investigation into the arson attack on four ambulances.
Parry’s Comments and Social Media Activity
Parry, a retired rear admiral, retweeted a post on X by Catherine Blaiklock, a co-founder of the Brexit party, hours after news of the attack emerged. Blaiklock’s post questioned,
“Can Christian’s [sic] in Britain set up their own police and patrol certain neighbourhoods?”
alongside a picture showing several Shomrim vehicles.
Parry shared the post with the comment,
“Remember that these cosplayers have no more jurisdiction or legal authority than ordinary citizens.”
When challenged about Blaiklock’s characterisation of Shomrim, Parry responded,
“They are a community organisation, not a legal entity. It’s the same with Islamists on horseback. But if it offends you, I’ll remove it.”
Background on Parry’s Previous Controversy
Parry is set to stand in Hampshire and the Solent in the 2028 mayoral elections. Earlier this year, he faced criticism for a “clumsily worded” post on X regarding David Lammy, the deputy prime minister. In January, Parry stated that Lammy, who was born in London to Guyanese parents, should “go home to the Caribbean” where his “loyalty lies.”
Response from Parry and Shomrim
When contacted by about his comments on Shomrim, Parry said,
“Most people on X commenting seem to be confusing various community action groups with the real police. Keen that people understand that.”
Rabbi Herschel Gluck, president of Shomrim, criticised Parry’s remarks as “ignorant” of the organisation’s work, stating,
“It shows a level of bias and ignorance which I’m surprised at given that this is a politician who aspires to be a mayor. These types of comments are deeply strange, to put it mildly.”
He emphasised that Shomrim operates on a voluntary basis, collaborating with all sections of the community and maintaining a close relationship with the police, who value their role.
“We work on a voluntary basis with all sections of the community and have a very close relationship with the police, who are very appreciative of our role.”
Rabbi Gluck added that in response to the recent arson attacks, Shomrim volunteers have heightened their alertness and increased patrols.
