Reform UK MP Danny Kruger has issued a stark critique of what he describes as Britain's "totally unregulated sexual economy," arguing that the nation must adopt more pro-family policies to reverse declining birthrates. In a candid interview with the House magazine, the former Conservative MP outlined his party's "pronatalist ambition" and proposed significant changes to the tax system to incentivise family formation.
Kruger's Vision for a Pro-Social Framework
Kruger emphasised that while he respects individual privacy in personal matters, he believes the government should create a framework that encourages socially beneficial decisions. "I'm not interested in your love life, or anything about your personal life – that is your business," he stated. "But I am interested in the framework in which you make your decisions, and I'd like the framework to be more pro-social."
He specifically highlighted the desire of most people to settle down and have children, asserting that policymakers should make this easier through targeted interventions.
Tax System Overhaul Proposed
A central pillar of Kruger's proposal involves reforming the tax system to shift from individual to household-based assessments. He suggested that partners should compile a joint household tax return rather than filing separately, which he believes would provide financial support for families and encourage childbearing.
"Marriage traditionally was the means by which sexual relations between men and women were regulated, and I think we are suffering from having a totally unregulated sexual economy," Kruger explained, linking historical institutions to contemporary social challenges.
Divorce Law Changes and Their Impact
While expressing personal support for reversing no-fault divorce laws introduced in 2022, Kruger acknowledged practical limitations. He noted that the change "basically means that your vows don't matter," referring to how couples previously needed to cite specific grounds like adultery or unreasonable behaviour.
However, he clarified that Reform UK has no current plans to repeal these divorce reforms, stating: "I don't know whether we'd be able to reverse it. I don't think that would be party policy, to change that."
Addressing the Birthrate Crisis
Kruger expressed deep concern about the UK's declining birthrate, framing it as both a demographic and cultural issue. "Yes, we have a pronatalist ambition. We want people to have more children, and we think the government should get behind that wish," he declared.
He specifically mentioned the need to encourage more women to have children, though he did not elaborate on specific policies beyond tax reforms to achieve this goal.
Reform UK's Broader Political Vision
Contrary to critics who label Reform UK as divisive, Kruger argued that his party represents the best chance for national unity. "The total opposite is the case. The only chance of unity for our country is Reform," he claimed, warning of potential widespread anger if the party fails to win the next election.
He framed the party's platform around the slogan "family, community, country," positioning it as an alternative to what he called "total liberal individualism." Kruger suggested that many Britons are moving toward valuing traditional associations that provide meaning, identity, and security.
Kruger indicated he expects Reform UK to play a "limited but important role" in resetting Britain's sexual culture through policy interventions. While acknowledging the constraints of political influence on personal behaviour, he maintained that legislative frameworks significantly shape how families form and thrive in modern society.
