Reform UK has launched a blistering attack on the government, demanding an immediate halt to negotiations with the European Union over a proposed youth mobility scheme. Party chairman Richard Tice has branded the potential deal a "betrayal" of the 2016 Brexit referendum result and a covert attempt to reintroduce free movement.
The controversial proposal, which would allow young people from the EU and UK to live and work in each other's territories for up to four years, has become a new flashpoint in post-Brexit politics. Reform UK insists the scheme would undermine UK sovereignty and undercut British workers.
A Direct Challenge to Sunak's Leadership
In a direct challenge to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Tice declared: "We didn't vote to take back control of our borders only to give it away again through the backdoor." The party has positioned itself as the guardian of a hard-line Brexit, capitalising on concerns among Leave voters about perceived compromises with Brussels.
The intervention comes amid growing speculation about a summer general election, with Reform UK seeking to distinguish its immigration policy from both the Conservatives and Labour. Polls suggest the party could siphon significant votes from the Tories in key constituencies.
The Battle for the Brexit Legacy
This political manoeuvring highlights the ongoing battle over the legacy of Brexit. While the major parties focus on improved trade relations, Reform UK is rallying its base around strict immigration control—a core promise of the Leave campaign.
The government has remained cautious in its response, stating that any agreement must serve the UK's national interest. However, with pressure mounting from both pro and anti-mobility scheme factions, Sunak faces a delicate balancing act that could define his premiership.
