Nigel Farage has faced backlash over his proposal to bar EU nationals from claiming benefits such as Universal Credit, with critics accusing him of creating a 'second class citizen' system. The Reform UK leader argued the current model is unsustainable, but opponents warn the move could trigger a trade war with the EU and increase prices for consumers.
TUC general secretary Paul Nowak condemned the plan, stating: 'Workers from the EU who have lived and worked in Britain for years – and paid their taxes like everybody else – should not be treated like second class citizens.' He added that Farage is pushing for a 'race to the bottom' on workers' rights.
Mr Farage also proposed increasing the NHS surcharge for foreigners from £1,035 to £2,718 per year, which would require renegotiating the Brexit deal. When asked if he had approached the EU, he admitted: 'No, I'm not terribly popular in Brussels most of the time.'
Tom Brufatto of Best for Britain said the plans would jeopardise progress on UK-EU relations, harming businesses and raising prices. Labour MP Luke Charters dismissed Farage's negotiation claims as 'total muppetry', given the failure of Brexit he championed.
Pressed on fairness, Mr Farage acknowledged 'short term concerns' but insisted the UK must address the high number of working-age people not in employment.
