Reform UK promises £80bn cuts to public spending
The UK's Reform party has pledged to cut £80bn in public spending over five years by reducing welfare, net zero programs, and the civil service. Party spokespeople emphasize fiscal responsibility while attempting to distance their strategy from the market instability caused by previous administrations.
Why it matters
These proposed cuts represent a significant shift in UK fiscal policy and highlight the ongoing debate over public service funding versus austerity measures.
Image source, EPA/ Shutterstock By Kate Whannel , Political reporter and Harry Farley , Political correspondent Published 12 minutes ago Reform UK has pledged to cut £80bn of public spending within five years by reducing welfare, net zero policies, overseas aid and the number of civil servants.
Speaking from the party's conference in Birmingham, economic spokesman Robert Jenrick said he would like to cut taxes in Reform's first Budget if it wins power at the next election but would have to "earn the trust" of the markets first.
Reform would be the "party of fiscal responsibility", he said and promised to make "big changes... in a careful way, not a cack-handed way".
Labour said the proposed cuts were "incredibly reckless and could mean vital public services like hospitals, schools and law enforcement are put at risk".
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