Reform UK's Senior Figures Under Fire for Views on Women and Families
As Reform UK experiences a significant surge in the polls and prepares its top team for an upcoming election, The Independent has conducted an in-depth investigation into the statements made by key party figures regarding marriage, women, abortion, and fertility. This scrutiny reveals a pattern of controversial opinions that could shape the party's future policies and public perception.
Marriage and Family Structures
Reform UK has a chequered history when it comes to women and families, with several prominent figures facing criticism for their views. Matt Goodwin, the party's candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, previously called for young girls to receive a "biological reality" check and suggested imposing higher taxes on individuals without children as a form of punishment. Meanwhile, Dr James Orr, the party's new head of policy, has argued that marriage is best for children when it involves a man and a woman, describing heterosexual couples with children as "natural" and advocating for state support to help families aspire to this ideal.
Nigel Farage himself has been accused of "vile homophobia" after claiming that straight couples are more stable than gay relationships during a press conference. This view was echoed by former Conservative MP Danny Kruger, who joined Reform UK and stated that marriage between men and women is "the only basis for a safe and successful society."
Abortion and Reproductive Rights
Nigel Farage has criticised UK abortion laws as "totally out of date," specifically targeting the 24-week limit as "ludicrous." Danny Kruger, now a Reform MP, sparked protests by disagreeing that pregnant women have an "absolute right to bodily autonomy" in a debate, though he later clarified that he supports the 1967 Abortion Act and does not wish to dictate women's choices. Despite a party spokesperson stating that Reform UK has no stance on abortion and no plans to change current laws, Dr Orr has described Britain's abortion regime as "extreme," comparing it to countries like North Korea and China.
Fertility and Birth Rates
Matt Goodwin's comments on Britain's "fertility crisis" included calls for a "biological reality" check for women and young girls, and he previously suggested taxing people without children extra as punishment. While Nigel Farage dismissed the tax proposal, saying the party has no plans to hike taxes, he proposed tax breaks for families with "quite a few children" to help with living costs. Dr Orr has advocated for pro-natalist policies, noting the widening gap between desired and actual fertility in the West, though he emphasised it is not about coercing women. However, Reform UK recently U-turned on a promise to lift the two-child benefit cap, with Robert Jenrick, the new Treasury spokesman, calling for its retention, leading Farage to admit his "attempt at being pro-family has failed."
Women in the Workplace and Equality
The most concrete policy unveiled by Reform UK relating to women and families is their plan to scrap the Equality Act, announced by Suella Braverman, the party's education and equalities spokeswoman. This move has raised concerns about potential negative impacts on women, as the Act protects maternity leave and prevents discrimination against mothers and pregnant women. The Good Law Project accused Reform UK of "pitching for the votes of misogynists, homophobes, racists and antisemites" by removing discrimination protections. Additionally, in 2025, Nigel Farage risked triggering a sexism row by stating that more men are willing to sacrifice family lives for career success compared to women, though he added that women who do so might have a better chance of reaching the top.
As Reform UK continues to gain traction, these revelations about its senior figures' views on women and families highlight potential policy directions and the ongoing debates surrounding gender, family, and equality in British politics.
