Restore Britain leader Rupert Lowe faced intense backlash on July 9, 2026, after incorrectly stating that the 1996 Dunblane school massacre involved only "one murder" during an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
The Great Yarmouth MP made the remarks while criticizing the UK's strict handgun regulations, arguing that licensing laws unfairly restrict legitimate shooters and enthusiasts.
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During the podcast, Lowe said, "As you probably know, they banned handguns in the late 90s because there was a murder up in Dunblane."
Host Joe Rogan questioned the figure, asking, "One murder?" Lowe confirmed without correction: "One murder."
Historical records show that gunman Thomas Hamilton entered Dunblane Primary School on March 13, 1996, killing 16 children aged five and six along with their teacher, Gwen Mayor, before turning the weapon on himself.
The attack left 15 other children and three adults wounded, making it the deadliest firearms atrocity in modern British history.
Political Reactions
Scottish Conservative MSP Stephen Kerr strongly condemned Lowe's statements, noting that his own children's school near Dunblane was locked down during the attack.
"To describe Dunblane as 'one murder' is not simply inaccurate – it diminishes one of the darkest days in Scotland's modern history," Kerr said.
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Kerr demanded a full retraction and apology, emphasizing that Lowe was 38 years old when the massacre occurred and should be aware of the facts.
