Reform UK has announced plans to block EU nationals from receiving universal credit, a move that would breach the post-Brexit trade deal with Europe and risk retaliation from Brussels. The proposals, to be unveiled by Nigel Farage at a press conference on Tuesday, are claimed to save £25bn a year, enough to cover the fiscal shortfall faced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in next week's budget.
Other measures include cutting overseas aid to a maximum of £1bn annually—a 90% reduction from the current level of 0.3% of national income—and nearly tripling the NHS immigration health surcharge from £1,035 to £2,718 per year. Reform argues these policies prioritise British citizens over non-citizens, with party head of policy Zia Yusuf stating that Labour can either raise taxes on British people or adopt these proposals to make foreign nationals bear the brunt of the budget deficit.
However, unilaterally scrapping elements of the Brexit deal could lead to reciprocal measures against UK nationals in the EU and potential trade restrictions. A Labour spokesperson criticised the plans, saying, '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 proposals also include deporting all foreign criminals to save £580m annually. Reform claims the total savings would eliminate the £25bn 'black hole' in public finances, but Labour insists the figures are unrealistic and would harm the economy.
