Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has declared a dramatic crackdown on immigration and the benefits system as the centrepiece of his party's election campaign, pledging to fundamentally reshape Britain's approach to new arrivals.
In a sweeping set of proposals that directly challenge both Conservative and Labour policies, Farage announced plans to impose a five-year moratorium on unskilled immigration and completely abolish the preferential tax status for non-domiciled residents.
The Core Proposals: A Hard Line on Immigration
The cornerstone of Reform's platform includes:
- Complete abolition of non-dom tax status, eliminating special tax arrangements for wealthy foreign residents
- Two-year ban on benefits claims for all new migrants arriving in the UK
- Five-year freeze on unskilled immigration to reduce pressure on public services
- Net migration reduction target of tens of thousands annually, down from current record levels
Taking Aim at the Establishment
Farage didn't mince words when criticising the current political landscape, stating that the distinctions between 'Leave' and 'Remain' factions have become irrelevant. He positioned his party as the only genuine alternative for voters dissatisfied with the mainstream approach to immigration.
'The old divides no longer matter,' Farage asserted. 'What matters is which party has the courage to address the immigration crisis head-on.'
Economic Implications and Fiscal Strategy
The proposed reforms extend beyond immigration control, with Farage promising significant tax cuts funded by savings from reduced immigration and the abolition of non-dom status. This economic strategy aims to appeal to voters concerned about both border control and household finances.
The plans represent the most substantial proposed overhaul of Britain's immigration system since Brexit, setting up immigration as a defining issue for the upcoming election campaign.
