Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to halt small boat crossings and reduce the cost of living within the first 100 days of his party taking power, detailing an agenda that includes significant legislative action and public spending reforms. Farage announced that Parliament could be required to sit seven days a week to expedite a substantial volume of legislation aimed at addressing what he termed a "national emergency."
Key proposals for Reform's initial 100 days include ending small boat crossings and eliminating green levies on energy bills, a move projected to save the average household £250. The party's Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, indicated that an emergency budget would be used to cut £80 billion from public spending, with half of these savings intended to come from the welfare budget. According to Jenrick, such measures would reduce the nation's debt interest payments by £28 billion annually, freeing up funds for tax cuts to stimulate economic growth and alleviate the cost of living.
Farage is set to use the Reform UK annual conference in Birmingham to reassert his party's position, amidst recent controversies regarding its funding, including an undeclared £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire. He reiterated his prediction of a general election next year, asserting that Reform can win and that the established two-party system is nearing its end.
Reform frontbenchers have been tasked with developing ambitious policy changes for the party's first 100 days, with Farage warning that those who fail to deliver quickly will be dismissed. The party has previously outlined plans to stop small boat crossings, which include renouncing international human rights laws, prohibiting illegal migrants from claiming asylum, and returning boats to France.
Farage intends to discuss cooperation on Channel immigration with Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally party. Bardella has previously expressed willingness to work with Reform on preventing small boat crossings, potentially allowing UK Border Force to push dinghies back to France. Reform has criticized the Labour government's deal with France, which has been credited with reducing migrant crossings this summer, arguing it is an ineffective use of taxpayer money.
Deputy leader Richard Tice stated that the solution lies in a "pick up, rescue and return" policy, which he described as the humanitarian approach. He argued that France is failing to meet its international obligations and that Britain should take responsibility if necessary.
Farage plans to personally oversee the mission to stop migrant boats, working with the party's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf. He also issued a warning to established figures in Parliament, the civil service, and the judiciary, vowing to overcome any obstruction to Reform's agenda. A party spokesperson indicated that dozens of bills would be introduced immediately after an election win, with Parliament potentially sitting throughout the summer to ensure their passage.
Reform plans to detail its platform in its election manifesto, hoping to gain the respect of the