Reform would ‘cut benefits for EU nationals and hike NHS immigration surcharge’ | Politics

Reform The UK government will prevent EU citizens from receiving universal credit, a move that would disrupt the post-Brexit trade deal with Europe and risk potential retaliation from Brussels.

This is among several proposals that Nigel Farage will announce at his press conference on Tuesday. The party claims its measures will save a total of £25bn a year; That’s enough to cover the supposed shortfall that Rachel Reeves will face in next week’s budget.

Other proposed cost savings include reducing overseas aid to a maximum of £1bn a year (a 90% reduction from the current level of 0.3% of national income) and almost tripling the NHS surcharge paid by non-UK residents.

While Farage will present the package as prioritizing the welfare of British citizens over non-citizens, his proposal to unilaterally scrap elements of the post-Brexit deal with Brussels could impact the UK economy if it triggers reciprocal measures such as trade restrictions.

All overseas citizens, including those with EU settled status, will lose the right to claim universal credit after a three-month notice period, according to the Reform statement published on Monday night, which the party said would save £6bn a year.

EU citizens, as well as citizens of the European Economic Area and Switzerland, were able to apply for settled status under the terms of the Brexit agreement, which provides access to public services and some benefits.

While the reform describes this agreement as “disgusting and one-sided”, ending some elements of it without negotiation could see UK citizens in the EU also face action and possible trade measures.

Another policy sees the health surcharge rise from £1,035 to £2,718 a year, which Reform believes would raise £5bn. The party argues the current cost is “clearly too low” and says citizens abroad use the NHS more on average.

Other elements of the £25bn claimed in annual savings include £580m to be recouped by the deportation of all foreign criminals.

The plans were first reported in The Times; Zia Yusuf, Reform’s head of policy, told the newspaper: “Labour has a choice. They can either go ahead and increase taxes on British citizens, or they can introduce our proposals that put the British people first and demand that foreign nationals, not British citizens, bear the brunt of the black hole.”

“Many British people find it outrageous to expect Britons to pay higher taxes or have their services cut when their money is being spent in this way.”

A Labor spokesman said: “Nigel Farage’s fantasy figures do not add up and will leave British taxpayers facing a hefty bill.

“Farage is happy to slap British customers at the tills with higher prices, risking a trade war with Europe. He will betray working people and undermine British businesses seeking to trade with the EU.”