Reform UK has confirmed it would strip foreign nationals of the right to claim all benefits in the UK, a move that would affect 1.5 million Universal Credit claimants. The party's proposal, outlined by Robert Jenrick, comes as figures show more than 1.3 million foreign nationals are currently on Universal Credit, up from 900,000 in 2022, with projections rising to 1.5 million by 2029.
Reform's Stance on Benefits for Foreign Nationals
Robert Jenrick, a key figure in Reform, argued that British taxpayers should not subsidise benefits for foreigners. He said: “Forcing British workers to pay for the benefits of foreigners is not just economically illiterate but plain immoral. People are more than happy to support their neighbours in hard times, but the British taxpayer cannot afford to subsidise everyone on the planet, especially those who have not paid in.”
The proposal would apply to all benefits, not just Universal Credit, and is part of Reform's broader immigration and welfare policies. The party has not yet detailed how the ban would be implemented or what exemptions might apply.
Political Reactions from Opposition Parties
The plan has drawn sharp criticism from other parties. Helen Whately, the Tories' shadow work and pensions secretary, said: “Reform UK have spent months flip-flopping on the two-child cap and now they’ve rushed out a cobbled-together announcement which is already unravelling. Their proposals will drag Britain back into Brexit battles with no certainty of success.”
Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesperson Steve Darling added: “These proposals are a rehash of the same Conservative playbook, proving the party recycles failed ideas just like it recycles ex-Tory MPs. Broad cuts like this ignore the root causes of the welfare bill, and stripping away vital support that keeps many people working and afloat is both senseless and cruel.”
Green Party and Campaign Group Responses
Mothin Ali, deputy leader of the Greens, criticised the plan as xenophobic, saying: “Once again, the establishment parties are all trying to outdo each other when it comes to who can be the most xenophobic, who can punch down the hardest to the most vulnerable in our country, and who can cut the most support from disabled people. It is cowardly to take from the most defenceless when we should be taxing the super wealthy including those who are in the privileged position of accepting £5m donations.”
Tom Brufatto from campaign group Best for Britain, which campaigns for UK-EU reintegration, said: “Our polling shows that people do want to renegotiate our relationship with Europe, but by moving closer, not by damaging ties with vital allies and punishing our neighbours, colleagues, and friends who have settled status here. It’s clear after the party’s lacklustre showing in the Clacton by-election, much to Nigel Farage’s evident embarrassment, Reform UK is increasingly out of touch with what Brits really want - which is to get the economy growing again, as independent economic research shows only EU membership can deliver.”
Reform's proposal is likely to face significant opposition in Parliament, and no date has been set for its introduction. The party has not yet responded to the criticisms.
