Farage Sparks Debate with Hardline Immigration Stance and Reform UK Policies
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has intensified the national debate on immigration and foreign policy with a series of high-profile statements and policy proposals. Farage reiterated his call for a dramatic tightening of UK borders, promising to cap immigration and prioritize the deportation of foreign criminals, while proposing new initiatives aimed at boosting the economy.
In recent interviews, Farage confirmed that Reform UK would allow only "essential migration" in sectors with acute skill shortages, such as healthcare and engineering. However, he emphasized that these exceptions would be strictly limited, with all such workers admitted on "time-dependent work permits" and required to leave the country when their permits expire. Farage stated, "Anyone that comes in will not be allowed to stay long-term. That's the difference". He pledged to announce the specific cap on essential migration before the next election, underlining a commitment to freeze "non-essential" immigration.
Farage’s stance comes amid widespread public concern over immigration levels. Recent polling shows Reform UK is now the most trusted party on immigration, with 37% of respondents believing it has the right policies, and Farage himself ranked as the most trusted leader on the issue. Two-thirds of British adults believe immigration levels are too high, with many citing generous welfare benefits and human trafficking as key drivers.
On foreign policy, Farage praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to push NATO allies to increase defense spending, aligning with his own calls for greater national sovereignty. He also highlighted a letter from a foreign prisoner requesting deportation, using the example of 1,099 Albanian prisoners in the UK to underscore his push for the repatriation of foreign offenders.
Farage’s economic proposals include the introduction of the "Britannia card," a policy designed to attract wealthy job creators to the UK. He argues this will stimulate investment and growth, complementing his broader vision of a more self-reliant Britain.
Critics have accused Farage of divisive rhetoric. Labour leader Keir Starmer was singled out by Farage for "lacking vision," while musician Rod Stewart publicly endorsed Farage and criticized Starmer’s leadership. The debate has further polarized public opinion, with Reform UK supporters rallying behind Farage’s promise to "take the country back," while opponents warn that his approach risks deepening social divisions.
As the political landscape shifts, both Labour and the Conservatives are under pressure to respond to Reform UK's surging popularity and its hardline immigration agenda, with the government recently unveiling a white paper promising new restrictions on overseas care workers and measures to expedite the deportation of foreign offenders.