Reform’s plan to cut EU citizens’ benefits would risk trade war with Europe, Labour claims – UK politics live | Politics
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Alf Dubs says he is ‘depressed’ by Labor’s asylum plans ‘going in the wrong direction’
Alf DubsThe Labor Party member and former MP, who came to England on the Kindertransport in 1939 and campaigned on behalf of immigrants, told the Today program this morning that he was “depressed” because of the asylum policies announced by the government yesterday. He explained:
I find it sad that we have to take such a hard line; What we need is some compassion in our politics and I think some of the measures are going in the wrong direction, they won’t help.
In fact, the hardline approach won’t deter people from coming here – at least according to people I spoke to in Calais – I don’t think it will deter them.
There are some small things in the proposal that wouldn’t be a problem, but overall I think we’re going in the wrong direction – a lot.
He said he was particularly concerned about the proposal for the government to focus more on deporting families with children.
I think it is a suitable situation for children, and it is also suitable for family reunion; If there are children living on their own and having families in this country, then I think the best thing to do is to ensure family reunification and bring the children here.
However, I think it is terrible to use children as a weapon, as the interior minister did; Frankly, I have no words to say because my concern was: What happens if we drive away the people who come here and they have children in the meantime?
What do we need to do with the children who are born here, who go to school here, who are part of our community, our society? We can’t just say ‘well, get out because your family doesn’t claim to be here’.
Good morning. Yesterday the government was accused of embracing the policies of anti-immigration party Reform UK as it announced tough plans to reduce the number of asylum seekers able to stay in the UK. ahead in opinion polls by a large margin. In response, ministers argued Labor would be worse off if it ignored the legitimate concerns of voters who support Nigel Farage’s party.
But when mainstream parties move into the domain of more extreme parties, these parties often respond with a further shift to the right, and we will see an example of this today. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is holding a press conference where he will unveil proposals covering immigration and the budget (the other big story occupying Westminster politics at the moment). Like Peter Walker Reports suggest Farage will propose spending cuts that he claims will save £25bn a year.
At the heart of the plan are three proposals, all of which involve imposing penalties on foreigners. These:
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Removing the right to claim benefits for EU citizens living in the UK would save £6bn, Reform UK says.
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The cost of the NHS surcharge – the fee non-UK residents pay when they get a visa to stay in the UK – is rising. This figure will rise from £1,035 to £2,718 a year, which Reform UK says will save £5bn.
Yesterday the Home Office triggered outrage by suggesting the government could strip asylum seekers of their jewelery to recoup the cost to taxpayers. Accordingly PolicyA Reform official called it “vindictive.” But the ‘jewellery’ plan (it doesn’t even mention the jewelery at all – this story only emerged from a hypothetical comment in an interview) will likely only raise paltry sums. Farage is proposing a massive fiscal rethink that would reallocate billions allocated to non-British people.
With nationalism becoming an increasingly powerful force in politics, Farage clearly calculates that this will result in positive outcomes for voters.
Ahead of the reform press conference, Labor issued a press release criticizing the proposals. But it does not address benefit spending or the NHS surcharge. Instead, he points out that removing benefits from EU citizens would be a breach of the post-Brexit trade deal, which could potentially mean a trade war with Europe. A. Labor Party Spokesperson in question:
Nigel Farage’s fantasy figures are not adding up, leaving British taxpayers facing a hefty bill.
Farage is happy to slap British customers at the tills with higher prices at the risk of a trade war with Europe. It would betray working people and undermine British businesses seeking to trade with the EU.
Farage thinks the EU’s threat of trade retaliation is just a bluff but will reveal more at the press conference. This is a bit reminiscent of Brexit; The leavers are accused of having an optimistic view of how strong their leverage will be in negotiations with Brussels.
Here is the agenda of the day.
Morning: Keir Starmer chair cabinet.
10am: Reform England leader Nigel Farage and the party’s policy chief Zia Yusuf hold a press conference.
10am: Kemi Badenoch and shadow chancellor Mel Stride hold a press conference.
11.30: Energy secretary Ed Miliband answers questions in the House of Commons.
Afternoon: A lobby briefing is being held in Downing Street.
After 12.30: MPs debate the Northern Ireland Troubles bill at second reading.
Afternoon: Keir Starmer is flying to Berlin, where he will have dinner with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron.
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