Following its recent electoral success, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is gaining greater political influence and visibility in local government. But what does the party stand for?

Reform UK argues that it represents ‘common sense politics’. It seeks to challenge what it describes as ‘left-wing bias and politically correct ideology’, while promoting ‘British culture, identity and values’. Its critics disagree. It has been branded a ‘far right’ party and Prime Minister Keir Starmer says its spending plans are a ‘fantasy’ comparable to those of the former Conservative PM Liz Truss.

In the party’s 2024 manifesto, entitled Our Contract with You, Reform UK – formerly known as the Brexit Party – pledged to stop illegal immigration, increase wages, cut energy bills and reduce NHS waiting lists. Let’s take a closer look at the party’s policies.

Economic and tax policy:

According to its manifesto, Reform UK aims to minimise Government spending through tax cuts and a reallocation of funds to essential services. The party’s pledges include raising the income tax-free threshold to £20,000 per year and eradicating inheritance tax on estates priced at under £2m. Reform UK also proposes to remove corporation tax for over 1.2 million small- and medium-sized businesses, reduce corporation tax by 10% and raise the VAT threshold to £150,000. Nigel Farage has also announced his intentions to abandon the two-child benefit cap.

Energy and environment:

Reform UK recommends scrapping net zero projects that they argue are ‘crippling’ the economy. The party says it would reduce energy bills and promote growth by ending renewable energy subsidies, increasing UK lithium mining, and encouraging North Sea oil and gas extraction.

Immigration and policing:

Reform UK’s manifesto says it will impose strict limits on illegal Channel crossings and promote ‘smart immigration’ that prioritises skill-based work. The party argues that migrants arriving illegally by small boats should be sent back to France, and anyone entering the UK via this route should be banned from seeking asylum or citizenship. To incentivise British employment, the party vows to increase the National Insurance rate for foreign workers by 20%.

To reinforce criminal justice measures in the UK, Reform UK’s manifesto says it aims to recruit 40,000 new police officers across a 5-year parliament. The party also suggests harsher sentences and fines for drug-related crimes, as well as an increase in stop-and-search practices.

Healthcare and public services:

Reform UK endorses greater use of independent healthcare services, promising that 20% tax relief will be provided for private healthcare treatment. The party also backs tax breaks for healthcare workers, whilst slashing student debt for doctors and nurses to ensure higher recruitment and retention rates of healthcare workers. In an attempt to combat the housing crisis, the party calls for a ‘loose fit planning’ policy to accelerate development projects, whilst pledging to abandon the Renters’ (Reform) Bill.

Like all political parties, Reform UK will no doubt adjust its policies according to the ever-changing circumstances. Now that they are in control of 10 local authorities and two mayoralties, the voting public will get a better idea of how they plan to govern.

This article was written with the help of ChatGPT.