On Saturday, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, unveiled the party’s new manifesto in an article published in the Daily Mail. The announcement came on the heels of the party’s success in the recent local elections and a by-election in Runcorn and Helsby, leaving both the general public and political commentators in disbelief.
In his article, Farage outlined a series of bold policies that Reform UK would implement if elected to government. These included scrapping inheritance tax on estates under £2 million, abandoning the goal of reaching net zero emissions, lowering income tax below £20,000, and reviving fracking. However, the party’s plans have been met with dismay on social media, with many users calling them “unhinged and unserious”.
Critics have pointed out that these policies would primarily benefit the wealthy and do not provide any clear solutions for fixing the NHS, a pressing issue in the UK. In fact, The Economist, a respected publication, compared Farage’s plans to the disastrous mini-budget proposed by former Conservative Prime Minister Liz Truss, which caused chaos in the economy, a decline in the pound, and turmoil in the markets.
According to The Economist, Reform UK’s policies would result in a fiscal recklessness that could rival Truss’s ill-fated premiership. The article estimated that a Reform UK government would cost the UK economy around £200 billion, while only saving £100 billion, leading to a “colossal fiscal shock”. The magazine also suggested that the party’s plans would leave the country with three options: “fiscal implosion, deep austerity or a hasty U-turn.”
Unsurprisingly, The Economist’s scathing assessment of Reform UK’s manifesto has caused a stir among both supporters and critics of the party. Many have taken to social media to express their concerns over the party’s lack of fiscal responsibility, with some calling it “fantasy economics”. Even Shadow Tory Chancellor Mel Stride joined the conversation, writing on Twitter: “Tens of billions in unfunded pledges. Anyone can promise giveaways, but responsible government means not making commitments you can’t keep. Reform would do exactly what Labour have done – pretend that there are no tough choices, then break every promise. #EconomicIlliteracy.”
Farage, however, was quick to defend his party’s plans, responding to Stride by saying, “I don’t usually respond to minor parties. But we will take no lessons from the very same people who tripled the national debt in 14 years. The Tory betrayal is such that I very much doubt you will keep your seat at the next general election.”
Despite the criticism, Reform UK’s manifesto has also gained supporters and voters’ trust across the country. The party’s success in the recent elections is a testament to this. However, some have raised concerns about the party potentially misleading the public with their promises.
Overall, Reform UK’s new manifesto has certainly sparked a heated debate and divided opinions. While some see it as a refreshing change from traditional politics, others view it as irresponsible and unachievable. Only time will tell if the party will be able to deliver on their promises, but one thing is for sure – their bold and controversial policies have certainly put them in the spotlight.
