Reform UK plan targeting EU nationals in Britain draws criticism
6 reported
A Reform UK plan to restrict the rights of EU nationals permanently based in the UK has drawn alarm and criticism from affected individuals and campaign groups. The proposed policies would evict all overseas nationals from social housing and make it more expensive for companies to employ them, including EU nationals with settled status. Under the UK’s Brexit deal, such individuals have permanent rights to live, work, and receive social security and pensions. The policies would require renegotiating the Brexit deal, potentially leading to reciprocal penalties for UK nationals in the EU or trade barriers. Reform UK Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick announced a “migrants labour levy,” requiring employers to pay higher national insurance and an annual fee for non-UK nationals, with no exceptions for long-term EU residents. The campaign group the3million and Liberal Democrats Europe spokesperson Al Pinkerton criticized the plan as a betrayal of Brexit promises and potentially damaging to the economy.
What’s reported
Reform UK’s updated migration policies would evict all overseas nationals from social housing and increase employer costs for hiring non-UK nationals.
The policies would affect EU nationals with settled status, who have permanent rights under the UK’s Brexit deal.
Robert Jenrick, Reform’s Treasury spokesperson, announced a “migrants labour levy” with higher national insurance and an annual fee, citing £3,750 for someone on the national living wage.
Jenrick said EU nationals who lose their job due to the levy should leave the UK, with no exceptions for long-term residents or those with UK partners and children.
The3million campaign group stated the policies contradict promises made by the leave campaign in the Brexit referendum.
Liberal Democrats Europe spokesperson Al Pinkerton called the plan “cruel, Trump-style politics” that could invite retaliation from trading partners.
Key figures
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
Robert Jenrick, Reform UK Treasury spokesperson
Daniel Sohege, from the3million campaign group
Nicole, an EU national (full name not used)
Al Pinkerton, Liberal Democrats Europe spokesperson
Sources: The Guardian
