The British party Reform UK proposes to deprive foreign citizens of the right to social benefits, including citizens of the European Union. “The social security system is created for Britain. Without British citizenship, there is no right to benefits,” said on Monday the spokesman for Reform UK on economic issues Robert Jenrick.
This policy, which is part of the proposed reform of the national social security system, will also apply to EU citizens who have permanent residence status in the UK. To implement it, new negotiations on the UK’s exit agreement with the EU will be required. Jenrick claims that this proposal could save British taxpayers 21 billion pounds a year by 2029 if implemented today.
Plan to cut social benefits
Speaking on Monday, Robert Jenrick, the spokesman for Reform UK on economic issues and MP for Newark, promised to put an end to what he called “foreigners robbing the social security system.” “British taxpayers are funding a social security system for the whole world. This is unfair,” he said.
According to Jenrick, if Reform UK comes to power, only British citizens will have the right to social benefits. He noted that there will be some exceptions for those who have served in the military or made contributions to the state pension system. “But apart from that, the distinction will be clear. The social security system is created for Britain. Without British citizenship, there is no right to benefits,” he added.
The party, which opposes high levels of immigration, states that the cuts will affect such benefits as Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, free childcare, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, and Disability Allowance.
Review of the Brexit agreement
Responding to questions about the readiness of the British public for another round of lengthy negotiations with Brussels on the Brexit agreement, Jenrick criticized the deal. He stated that there are “several points” that Reform UK will seek to revise if it comes to power. “I am confident that we will be able to do this and restore fairness to this process,” he told journalists.
Conservative Party MP Helen Whately reportedly called Reform UK’s social security plans “rushed.”
In the UK during the 2025–2026 years, social security is expected to cost 322 billion pounds. This is 10.6% of GDP and 23.6% of total government spending for this period. The government states that about 55% of social security spending is directed towards pensioners.
Source: Euronews
