Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has pledged to stop small boat crossings and reduce the cost of living within the first 100 days of a potential Reform government. The party's agenda includes a significant overhaul of public spending and energy policy, aiming to address what Farage describes as a "national emergency."
Key Policy Proposals
The party's Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, stated that an emergency budget would aim to cut £80 billion from public spending, with half of these savings intended to come from the welfare budget. Reform UK asserts that such measures would reduce the nation's debt interest payments by £28 billion annually, freeing up funds for tax cuts designed to ease the cost of living and stimulate economic growth. The proposed policies also include scrapping green levies on energy bills, which the party estimates could save the average household £250.
Immigration Stance
Reform UK's strategy for halting small boat crossings involves measures such as withdrawing from international human rights laws, prohibiting illegal migrants from claiming asylum, and returning boats to France. Farage plans to discuss cooperation on Channel immigration issues with Jordan Bardella, president of France's National Rally party. Reform UK has criticized the Labour party's existing agreement with France, viewing it as an ineffective use of taxpayer money. Deputy leader Richard Tice suggested a "pick up, rescue and return" approach as a more humanitarian and effective solution.
Legislative and Political Strategy
Farage indicated that Parliament might need to convene seven days a week to pass a substantial volume of legislation within the initial 100-day period. He has warned that frontbenchers failing to deliver ambitious changes will face dismissal. The party intends to outline its plans in its election manifesto, hoping for a mandate that prevents obstruction from what they term the "Establishment Blob," which includes Parliament, the civil service, and the courts. Reform UK is also reportedly considering plans to increase the number of peers in the House of Lords to overcome potential opposition.
Electoral Context
The announcement comes as Reform UK seeks to regain momentum following recent controversies regarding party funding, including an undeclared personal donation. The party has also seen a dip in opinion polls, partly attributed to a resurgence in support for the Conservative party under Kemi Badenoch and gains by the Labour party. A recent study by the Policy Institute at King's College London suggests that Reform UK could face significant tactical voting against it in a general election, with a substantial percentage of voters and supporters of other parties considering voting for different parties to prevent Reform from winning seats. Farage, however, remains optimistic, asserting that the "two-party system" is nearing its end and that Reform can win the next election, which he anticipates will be held next year.