In a bold move that sets the battle lines for the upcoming general election, Nigel Farage's Reform UK party launched its revolutionary policy platform at a packed conference in Birmingham. Dubbed a 'contract with the people,' the proposals represent the most radical manifesto from a major party in decades.
The centrepiece of the plan is a dramatic overhaul of the UK's immigration system. Reform UK pledges to freeze all non-essential immigration, including stopping illegal Channel crossings on day one of taking office. The party argues this is essential to ease pressure on public services and housing.
Economic Shock Therapy
On the economic front, the party promises nothing short of a revolution. Key proposals include:
- Abolishing inheritance tax for all estates under £2 million
- Raising the income tax threshold to £20,000
- Scrapping VAT on energy bills and private healthcare
- Eliminating the renewable energy subsidy from household bills
Mr. Farage declared these measures would put billions back into the pockets of ordinary Britons while simplifying the tax system.
A System in Need of Reform
The party's ambitions extend beyond taxation and immigration. Reform UK proposes fundamental changes to the British political system, including:
- Moving to a proportional representation voting system
- Introducing legally binding referendums (citizens' initiatives)
- Slashing the number of MPs from 650 to 450
- Imposing a total freeze on civil service recruitment
These measures, Farage argues, are necessary to break the Westminster bubble and return power to the people.
While the policies have energized the party's base, economists and political opponents have raised concerns about the fiscal implications of such sweeping tax cuts and the practical challenges of implementing a near-total immigration freeze. As the general election approaches, Reform UK's contract ensures that debate around immigration, taxation, and political reform will dominate the campaign trail.
