Nigel Farage dismisses any possibility of an election alliance with the Conservatives as Reform UK introduces a controversial employer immigration tax policy. The new proposal aims to reshape the immigration landscape and foster local workforce development, sparking tensions within the political sphere.
Nigel Farage has expressed “absolutely no interest” in forming an election pact with the Conservative Party, amid recent moves by Reform UK. During a press conference in London, Farage, honorary president of Reform UK, elaborated on his sense of betrayal by the Conservatives, referencing his efforts in the 2019 general election to support Boris Johnson.
Reform UK leader Richard Tice announced a new policy proposing a higher national insurance tax on businesses that employ overseas workers, a move expected to raise over £20 billion in five years. Exemptions include small businesses and sectors like healthcare and social care. Tice emphasized that this “employer immigration tax” aims to reduce reliance on cheap overseas labor and encourage investment in local training and apprenticeships.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has ruled out any deal with Reform UK, which has been critical of government policies on immigration. Farage and Tice continue to press for more stringent immigration controls, with Farage predicting the collapse of Sunak’s Rwanda immigration plan, citing opposition from the European Court of Human Rights.
Further, Mr. Farage criticized the economic impact of mass immigration and questioned the UK’s declining productivity, comparing it unfavorably to France. Reform UK plans to contest 630 seats in the upcoming general election, polling around 12% primarily from former Conservative voters.
