Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, announced plans for significant tax cuts aimed at assisting working individuals and stimulating the economy. The proposals, set to be detailed on Saturday, are designed to alleviate the cost of living and boost economic activity.
Reform UK stated that their plans include approximately £80 billion in public spending reductions, with a substantial portion to come from the benefits budget. Some of these savings are intended to reduce the national deficit and government borrowing costs, which have exceeded £100 billion annually. A significant portion of the savings is earmarked for reducing the UK's tax burden, focusing on support for low to middle-income earners and small businesses.
During a speech at Reform UK's annual conference in Birmingham, Farage indicated that an emergency budget would be used to significantly cut benefits. He also committed to reducing taxes for working people and pensioners through what he described as a 'radical' approach. Details on the tax cuts remain scarce, but the party has reportedly considered increasing the income tax threshold, currently set at £12,570 and frozen for nearly a decade.
The conference was disrupted by a security alert when a banner was unfurled on stage, prompting a police search for potential devices. Protesters also interrupted speeches within the hall.
Farage dismissed recent controversies regarding his party's funding as a "little local difficulty," attributing them to a coordinated campaign by the "Establishment." He asserted that these issues would not distract him from his political objectives and reiterated his prediction that Reform UK could win the next general election, which he anticipates may occur next year.
Reform UK's initial 100 days in power, according to Farage, would involve a rapid policy implementation, including measures to halt illegal immigration and reduce energy bills by rescinding Net Zero levies. The party also plans to announce proposals for increasing medical training to decrease reliance on foreign healthcare professionals.
Farage warned civil servants, the judiciary, and members of the House of Lords against obstructing his party's agenda. He suggested that Parliament might need to sit for extended hours to pass necessary legislation. Regarding the House of Lords, he indicated that if it resisted legislation, Reform UK would consider appointing hundreds of new peers to secure a majority or, failing that, hold a referendum on its composition.
He criticized the Conservative Party for its handling of immigration post-Brexit and accused the Labour Party of intending to bankrupt the country and failing to address illegal immigration. He stated the Conservatives should "never be forgiven" for their immigration policies.
These policy announcements come as two close aides to Farage have been suspended amid allegations of accepting foreign donations. Reform UK's head of policy, James Orr, and long-serving aide Dan Jukes, have stepped down pending an internal investigation. The allegations, reported by Channel 4 News, suggest the two men discussed accepting funding from a U.S. firm for party polls, which could contravene electoral laws. Separate allegations also involve discussions about a substantial donation from a purported American businessman, facilitated through an undercover reporter, which could circumvent the ban on foreign donations. Farage stated he was unaware of any impropriety and suggested the discussions were "problematic loose pub talk" by Mr. Jukes, who he claimed was not authorized to handle donations.
Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing, with a party spokesman confirming an internal investigation is underway. Jukes has denied any wrongdoing and stepped back from politics to clear his name, calling the film "entrapment."