Reform Party's Controversial Great Repeal Bill Sparks Fury
Nigel Farage and his deputy Richard Tice have ignited a political firestorm by unveiling sweeping proposals to dismantle key protections for workers and renters, with critics accusing the Reform Party of "declaring war on working people." The announcement, made on February 24, 2026, has drawn fierce condemnation from trade unions and the Labour Party, who argue the plans would rig the system in favour of corporate interests.
Employment Rights Under Threat
In a speech that has provoked widespread outcry, Richard Tice, recently appointed as Reform's business spokesman, declared his intention to abolish Labour's Employment Rights Act passed last year. This landmark legislation, championed by former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, includes vital safeguards such as enhanced parental leave, protection against unfair dismissal, and a ban on 'fire and rehire' practices.
Tice branded these regulations "daft," claiming they are hampering businesses and destroying youth employment. He argued that scrapping them, along with other measures, would help lower inflation and reduce bills for consumers. Nigel Farage echoed this sentiment, stating that the dichotomy between supporting workers or business owners is outdated and belongs to a different political era.
Renters' Protections in the Crosshairs
The Reform Party's Great Repeal Bill also targets the Renters' Rights Act, another piece of Labour legislation set to come into force in May. This act aims to tackle rogue landlords by ending no-fault evictions, restricting rent rises, introducing a decent homes standard, and establishing a landlord ombudsman. Crucially, it applies 'Awaab's Law,' named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak who died from respiratory problems in 2020 due to mould in his home, setting strict rules for landlords to address housing issues.
Tice contends that these protections are reducing the number of properties on the market and driving up prices, making them unacceptable. However, critics warn that removing these safeguards would leave tenants vulnerable and undermine efforts to ensure safe, affordable housing.
Assault on Public Sector Pensions and Net Zero
Further controversy surrounds Reform's plans to end more generous defined benefit pension schemes for new local government workers, shifting them onto defined contribution schemes instead. The Prospect trade union has blasted this move, estimating it would create a fiscal black hole of £4 billion to £6 billion annually after five years, escalating to tens of billions in the medium term.
Prospect General Secretary Mike Clancy condemned the proposals, stating they offer insecurity at work and poverty in retirement. Additionally, Reform has reaffirmed its commitment to scrap Britain's net zero target by 2050, a policy supported by both Conservatives and Labour. Tice announced intentions to increase domestic oil and gas production, a move Labour argues could jeopardise up to a million jobs in the clean energy sector.
Outcry from Unions and Political Rivals
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak lambasted the plans, dubbing them "the Great Steal" rather than the Great Repeal. He accused Reform of stripping power from ordinary people to benefit bad bosses, rogue landlords, and climate-denying corporations. Nowak emphasised that axing workers' rights, renter protections, and net zero commitments would slash standards, kill jobs, and scare off investment.
Labour leader Keir Starmer joined the criticism, asserting that Nigel Farage has declared war on the interests of working people. A Labour spokesperson added that Reform's agenda would rip up hard-won rights on parental leave and sick pay, leaving families across the country to pay a heavy price. As the debate intensifies, the Reform Party's proposals have positioned it at the centre of a heated national conversation about the future of workers' and tenants' rights in Britain.
