Nigel Farage's Reform UK has announced controversial new policies that the party claims would save £25 billion annually by restricting benefits for EU nationals and dramatically increasing healthcare charges for foreign residents.
The Core Proposals
At a press conference on Tuesday, Farage will outline measures that include blocking EU nationals from receiving universal credit after a three-month notice period. This move would effectively tear up elements of the post-Brexit trade agreement with Europe and potentially trigger retaliation from Brussels.
According to a party statement released on Monday night, this single measure would save £6 billion per year by preventing all overseas nationals, including those with EU settled status, from accessing the benefit system.
Another significant proposal involves almost tripling the NHS surcharge for non-UK residents from the current £1,035 per year to £2,718. Reform argues this would generate £5 billion annually, claiming the current cost is "clearly too low" and that overseas nationals use the NHS more frequently on average.
Additional Cost-Saving Measures
The party's comprehensive plan includes several other controversial elements. Overseas aid would be slashed to a maximum of £1 billion yearly, representing a 90% reduction from the current commitment of 0.3% of national income.
Furthermore, Reform proposes deporting all foreign criminals, which the party estimates would save £580 million annually. Combined with the other measures, the total claimed savings reach the £25 billion figure that Reform says would eliminate the budget shortfall facing Labour's Rachel Reeves.
Political Reactions and Risks
Reform's head of policy, Zia Yusuf, defended the proposals, stating: "Labour has a choice. They can either go ahead and raise taxes on British citizens or they can enact our proposals which put British people first and ask foreign nationals to bear the brunt of the black hole, not British citizens."
However, Labour immediately dismissed the plans. A party spokesperson responded: "Nigel Farage's fantasy numbers don't add up, and he'd leave British taxpayers footing a hefty bill. Farage is happy to slap British shoppers with higher prices at the checkouts by risking a trade war with Europe."
The proposal to unilaterally abandon parts of the Brexit deal carries significant economic risks. If the EU responds with reciprocal measures, such as trade restrictions, UK nationals living in Europe could face retaliation, and British businesses might encounter new barriers to trade.
Despite these concerns, Reform UK maintains that their approach prioritises British citizens and addresses what they describe as an "atrocious and one-sided" Brexit agreement that currently benefits EU nationals at Britain's expense.
