With the launch of Prioritized British Citizens on Monday, Nigel Farage aims to expand discussions surrounding illegal immigration.
According to Nigel Farage, the British public has struggled to engage in meaningful conversations about the high rates of legal migration, as all major political parties have opted to maintain open borders. He asserted that if elected, he would put an end to what he described as “infinite” immigration and the influx of “cheap foreign labor” that he believes has negatively impacted British wages.
During the press conference, Farage, alongside his Reform Party colleague Zia Yusuf, unveiled several new policies aimed at addressing the unrestricted immigration that he claims has been happening without adequate justification. He emphasized the need to initiate a conversation around these issues.
Farage pointed out that while many British citizens are focused on the visible crisis surrounding immigration, there is a gap in dialogue about the long-term impacts of policies from past governments. “Both Labour and Conservative administrations have welcomed open-door migration, and the Liberal Democrats haven’t criticized it. This has stifled a national debate on the subject,” he noted.
“What we want to highlight today is that at least 50% of newcomers do not contribute positively to the UK, and in fact, they often make things more challenging for us,” he said.
Recent trends, termed the “Boris Wave,” reflect a significant rise in immigration during Boris Johnson’s Conservative leadership. Many of the millions who have arrived are now eligible for “indefinite leave” status, allowing them to establish their residency in the UK.
Farage described this phenomenon as:
Sitting beside him, Yusuf referred to the “Boris Wave” as a “great betrayal,” suggesting that while it hasn’t yet fully impacted the country, it is poised to cause significant issues in the near future. He added that the proposed reform government under Farage anticipates that immigrants should contribute positively rather than contribute to criminal activities.
Farage lamented the lack of a substantial discussion around immigration policies, stating:
“There has been insufficient conversation about legal immigration and the implications it has. For two decades, I have raised concerns about the vast number of people entering this country and how it affects housing, health, and transport. Yet, I have been dismissed. The narrative has always been that it’s good for the economy—only that matters. But now we are starting to uncover the truth.”
“Too many have arrived, and things aren’t working—they haven’t worked. Bringing in dependents when a significant number are employed at very low wages leads to substantial burdens on public resources,” he continued.
The issues concerning migration numbers and the fact that many newcomers do not become net contributors to the state were highlighted as critical financial problems.
In addressing these issues, Farage proposed that a potential reform government could save considerable taxpayer money by eliminating indefinite leave altogether, replacing it with a five-year work visa. This change could mitigate the challenges of low-wage immigrants bringing in numerous dependents who often rely on welfare.
“This system is unfair to taxpayers who end up subsidizing non-British citizens. We shouldn’t be perceived as a global welfare provider,” he stated, emphasizing that low-skilled workers tend to place a heavy burden on public services.
Immigrants would not be allowed to access welfare payments under the proposed system. Farage stressed that benefits should be reserved for British citizens. Much of the discussion revolves around financial implications, but Yusuf pointed out the cultural ramifications, stating, “It’s not just about the money; it’s about the loss of cultural identity and opportunities for young people.”
Should these reforms be implemented, they could potentially lead to the deportation of hundreds of thousands of individuals. Yusuf acknowledged the likelihood of facing legal challenges but expressed a belief that governments motivated by the people can create substantial new laws. He also mentioned the possibility of the UK exiting international bodies like the European Court of Human Rights, which often obstructs deportation efforts.
The proposed changes are significant but may still resonate positively with the public. Recent reports indicated that most Britons support the idea of the Royal Navy taking action against human traffickers. A strong majority of 69% believe in employing naval resources for border control.
Additionally, many citizens think that generous welfare benefits attract immigrants, with half suggesting that newcomers perceive the UK as an easy target. Only a minority believe that migrants are escaping conflict when they arrive in the country.
