On the day it dropped one candidate for ‘undermining electoral strategy’, the Brexit Party has stood steadfastly behind its Birmingham Ladywood candidate even after it emerged that he has called to ‘destroy’ Islam.
Social media posts by former UKIPper Andrew Garcarz had already been spotted in August, when he was a party activist and his wife Wendy had been confirmed as a PPC.
In those posts, found by anti far-right campaigners Hope Not Hate, Garcarz endorsed the ‘Kalergi plan’ conspiracy theory, a variant of the theory that there is a deliberate plan to weaken white European ‘bloodlines’ via immigration.
BREX FACTOR: The Brexit Party’s ‘diverse’ list of would-be MPsSince he became a party candidate, however, Hope Not Hate say they have found further posts, including one in which he says: “Islam is the problem here.”
Hope Not Hate quotes him as commenting on a terror attack by adding: “Catholicism, whilst a brainwashing cult, does not advocate extermination of non-Catholics. Islam is the problem here. And until we destroy them, the world will never be a safe place.”
Sharing a petition in support of a doctor who refused to tend to a woman in niqab, Garcarz also commented: “We cannot allow this country to become a Muslim state.”
As a UKIP member in 2017, Garcarz appears to have endorsed Anne Marie Waters, now leader of fringe far-right party For Britain and a close associate of Tommy Robinson.
“Great meeting last night with UKIP leadership contender Ann Marie Waters,” he wrote, praising her stance on Islam. “Yes, she’s controversial, yes she’s occasionally uncomfortable to listen to, but UKIP have never pandered to populist sentiment.”
He added: “We’ve been made to feel guilty for the colonial activities of our predecessors.”
In 2015, a post that appears to be from his profile says the EU is involved in “orchestrating” attempts to “overrun” countries with Muslims.
A 2016 post mocked Jeremy Corbyn for dressing like a “pirate” as he donned headgear during a visit to a Sikh ceremony.
Despite public awareness of many of Garcarz’s views, the Brexit Party has not so far withdrawn its support.
Farage said in April that his party would be “deeply intolerant of intolerance.” Yet his support for Garcarz continues even as the party removes the whip from Yorkshire and the Humber MEP John Longworth, for clashing with leadership over election strategy.
Party whip and MEP Brian Monteith said: “We regret having to remove the Whip, but we have been left with no alternative after John Longworth repeatedly undermined the party’s Brexit strategy over the last few months.”
The New European has been unable to independently verify Hope Not Hate’s social media finds.
The Brexit Party has been contacted for comment.
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