Good Morning Britain erupted in political fireworks today as Susanna Reid locked horns with Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib over what she branded "completely uncosted" migration policies.
The tense exchange saw Reid challenge Habib's claims that legal migration costs Britain £40 billion annually, demanding to see the evidence behind Reform's controversial figures. "Where is the costed manifesto?" Reid pressed repeatedly, putting the party's deputy leader firmly on the defensive.
The Migration Cost Clash
Habib stood by his assertion that legal migration represents a massive financial burden, but struggled to provide concrete evidence when challenged by the veteran presenter. "You're making a claim that legal migration costs this country £40 billion," Reid stated, "but you haven't actually shown us how you've worked that out."
The debate intensified as Reid highlighted the absence of detailed costings in Reform UK's manifesto, contrasting it with other parties who have published fully costed policy documents.
Defending the Reform Position
Habib countered by arguing that reducing migration would naturally lead to significant savings, particularly in areas like housing and public services. However, Reid remained unconvinced, pointing out that many migrants contribute substantially to the economy through taxation and filling essential workforce gaps.
The Reform deputy leader maintained that their policies would ultimately benefit Britain, but faced persistent questioning about the lack of detailed financial planning behind their proposals.
Broader Political Context
This heated exchange comes amid growing scrutiny of Reform UK's policy platform as the party gains traction in recent polls. With Nigel Farage's party positioning itself as a significant challenger to traditional Conservative voters, such high-profile clashes on national television could prove crucial in shaping public perception.
The confrontation highlights ongoing debates about migration, economic policy, and political accountability that are dominating the current election campaign landscape.
