LBC presenter Nick Ferrari and his caller, John, took a cruel swipe at comedian Sir Lenny Henry following his call to action for the government. In a book co-written by the comic titled The Big Payback, he called for all Black British people to receive slavery reparations at the taxpayer’s expense. He urged the UK to pay £18thrillion in compensation – not only to Caribbean nations, but also to British citizens.  

In an excerpt from the book, he wrote that “all black British people... need reparations for slavery”, adding: “We personally deserve money for the effects of slavery.” The book, co-authored by TV executive and diversity charity boss Marcus Ryder, explains the arguments and historical precedent for the handouts.  

It is argued that all black people suffer the effects of modern racism, which was brought about by the slave trade in the 15th century. As a result, the book determines that all black people deserve compensation.  

He argues: “The reason we have racism today and also... why black British people are grossly over-represented in the prison population” as well as other social disparities, are “all because of the transatlantic slave trade.”  

The book, which is set to hit the shelves on Thursday (October 9), argues that it is fair for the UK to pay trillions in reparations, which he hopes would be used to “rid the world of racism”.  

After the news hit the headlines, Nick Ferrari discussed the news on his radio show, where he pointed out the financial toll this would take on the UK.  He began: “Just a quick comment on Lenny Henry arguing that Britain should pay – get ready for this – £18trillion in reparations to black people because of slavery.

"That would bankrupt the country many times over.” After sharing his thoughts, he welcomed a caller named John onto the show to get their opinion on the bold call to action.  

The listener chuckled: “I just want to say that it’s very unfair to put Lenny Henry down as unfunny because after his comments this morning, I’m looking up incontinence pants because it's hilarious. I mean, it’s the funniest thing he’s ever said.”  

It didn’t take long before listeners flooded to X—formerly known as Twitter—to share their take online. One user quipped: “It could be his funniest punchline ever,” while another agreed: “Confirmed his status as a comedy act!”  

A third chimed in with: “Knew Lenny had a zinger of a joke in him, only took 40 years [three cry-laughing emojis].” 

Meanwhile, others suggested the money should be given on a voluntary basis rather than through taxpayer’s money. One suggested: “If people like Lenny Henry want to pay reparations, then fine, but they should do it out of their own pockets and expenses.”