Farage's EU Showdown: Benefits, Boris, and the Big Bill
Nigel Farage has made it his Monday morning ritual: drop a headline-grabbing grenade into Westminster. This week? He's targeting the so-called "Boriswave" of immigration and its impact on Britain's benefits bill.
The Numbers That Sparked It
- EU nationals on Universal Credit: 770,379 (up nearly 20% since 2022)
- Non-EU nationals on Universal Credit: 492,502 (up almost 88% since 2022)
- Total foreign nationals claiming: 1.23 million – a 40% jump in just three years
Most of these EU claimants hold settled status—a Brexit legacy deal that gave them rights to stay and claim benefits.
Farage's Case
Farage argues this proves the Conservatives lost control:
- Net migration hit 906,000 in mid-2023 under Boris Johnson's loosened rules for workers and students.
- Reform UK's headline pledge? "Welfare will be for UK citizens only, not foreign nationals."
But there's a snag: settled status holders are exempt. To change that, a Reform government would need an agreement with the EU—hardly an easy negotiation.
Reform's Worry List
Farage is already pointing beyond current claimants:
- 800,000 migrants from the "Boriswave" are expected to gain indefinite leave to remain (ILR) over the next decade.
- 78% of them earn below average wages, meaning they're likely to qualify for Universal Credit once eligible.
The Bill
Farage claims the long-term cost could be £234 billion. Experts dispute the figure, but agree it's likely to run into tens of billions—maybe hundreds.
Why It Matters
This clash cuts to the heart of Reform's dilemma:
- How do you promise to close the welfare door while EU law, Brexit agreements, and economic realities hold it open?
- Can Farage keep hammering the Tories on immigration without over-promising what his party can actually deliver?
Ace the takeaway: Farage is turning immigration + welfare into a single talking point. But whether he can turn it into workable policy is another matter.
