Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Farage's election 'contract' promises border security, tax relief

Farage positioned Reform as the only party capable of holding Labour accountable, with Keir Starmer forecasted to be the next prime minister.

Farage's election 'contract' promises border security, tax relief

Nigel Farage, whose entry into the election has impacted Rishi Sunak's slim chances of victory, laid out his policy plans on Monday. He described them as the first step towards becoming the dominant party on the right of British politics.

Farage acknowledged that the earlier-than-expected election had come too soon for his Reform UK party but urged Sunak's Conservative supporters to "join the revolt." He positioned Reform as the only party capable of holding Labour accountable, with Keir Starmer forecasted to be the next prime minister.


Farage is one of Britain's most recognisable and divisive politicians, known for pressuring governments into tougher immigration policies and playing a key role in the 2016 Brexit vote. Despite his influence, he has spent his career on the sidelines, having unsuccessfully run for parliament seven times and leading parties that, despite significant vote shares, have not broken the dominance of the Conservatives and Labour.

This election, Farage is standing in Clacton-on-Sea, southeast England, where polls show he has a chance to win a parliamentary seat. However, under the British electoral system, Reform is expected to win only a few seats nationwide.

"We are not pretending that we are going to win this general election," Farage said at the launch of a 24-page policy document, which he called a "contract" with voters for the next five years. He added, "Our aim and our ambition is to establish a bridgehead in parliament and to become a real opposition to a Labour government."

Reform chose Merthyr Tydfil for its launch to highlight what it claims is Labour misrule in Wales. Farage's unexpected entry into the race, after initially stating he would not run and would focus on campaigning for Donald Trump in the United States, has split right-of-centre voter support in Britain.

The Labour Party is about 20 percentage points ahead in opinion polls and is expected to win a large majority. Reform overtook the Conservatives in one poll last week, and Farage has set a target of winning six million votes in the 4th July election. Other polls, however, show Reform trailing far behind the governing party.

The Reform campaign has centred on Farage and his populist appeal. Despite his background in private education and commodities trading, Farage has portrayed himself as a champion of the people against an out-of-touch political establishment.

Reform's policies target right-of-centre voters who usually support Sunak's Conservatives, demanding changes across key policy areas. Immigration, a long-standing focus for Farage, is a priority. Reform promises to freeze "non-essential" immigration, leave the European Convention on Human Rights, and push back small boats carrying migrants to France before they reach British shores. An additional payroll tax on companies employing foreign workers is also proposed.

This tax is part of a broader plan to cut the benefits bill by £15 billion and fund tax cuts, including raising the income tax threshold to £20,000, reducing fuel duty by 20 pence per litre, and abolishing VAT on energy bills.

"This is not a protest document, this is not a protest vote," Farage said. "We're unashamedly radical, we want change, this isn't working."

More For You

Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)

Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.

Keep ReadingShow less
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.

A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

Pakistan stands at 109th place out of 147 countries

Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.

Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.

Keep ReadingShow less