Reform UK benefits ban for foreign nationals would include EU citizens
Summary
Reform UK has proposed a plan to stop most foreign nationals, including EU citizens with settled status, from receiving most welfare benefits in the UK. The plan would require Brexit deal changes and could lead to British expats in the EU losing benefits, while aiming to save £21 billion a year by the fifth year.Key Facts
- Reform UK wants to ban foreign nationals from nearly all welfare benefits like housing, pensions, jobseeker's allowance, child benefit, free childcare, and disability payments.
- The ban includes EU citizens who have settled status, meaning they have lived in the UK continuously for at least five years.
- Changing the current rules would require renegotiating the Brexit agreement between the UK and the EU.
- The party estimates the policy could save the UK £21 billion annually by year five and £50 billion total savings if other welfare changes are included.
- British expats living in the EU might lose equivalent benefits if the EU responds with similar restrictions.
- Some exceptions apply, such as war widows’ pensions and Armed Forces compensation.
- Labour, the Conservatives, the Lib Dems, and the Greens criticized the plan for potential harm to people lawfully living in the UK or questioning its fairness and focus.
- Reform UK’s plans will be officially presented by Robert Jenrick in a speech about welfare reforms.
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