Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to abolish taxes on the pay received by armed forces reservists. The announcement was made during a rally for party supporters in Plymouth as part of the "100 Days to Save Britain" tour.
Farage stated that removing taxes on reservist pay would encourage more individuals to join the reserves. "Anyone that signs up as a reservist and does their bit will face no tax on the pay they receive. Let's get more men and women signing up for the reserves," he told the crowd.
Regarding the UK's role in international defense, Farage commented on the deployment of fighter jets to defend Saudi Arabia, asserting that the UK is no longer a significant global player. "Should we help with peacekeeping missions? As much as we can. But what we've got to face up to is the reality that we've lost our ability to be an effective player," he said.
Local Councillor Controversy
The rally also addressed a local issue involving Plymouth Reform councillor Ben Rowe, who was previously investigated and cleared over accusations of sharing Islamophobic social media posts. When questioned by the BBC about the social media posts, Farage defended Rowe, stating that such individuals are "working class people, going into politics, venting their spleen on certain issues and maybe there's a little bit of political growing up to do." He added, "But let's not condemn everybody for everything they say, and the reason he's still part of the party is because everyone believes he's a solid bloke."
Approximately 100 protesters gathered outside the Plymouth Arena, voicing their opposition to Reform UK and Farage. Demonstrators held placards and chanted slogans, with organizers from the campaign group Stand Up To Racism criticizing Farage's political platform as being based on "anti-immigrant hysteria."
