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Farage vows to ban foreign nationals from social housing
TL;DR
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage plans to ban foreign nationals from social housing, requiring them to secure private accommodation within three months or face deportation. This policy will apply retrospectively, affecting all current tenants regardless of their duration in the UK.
Key points
- Nigel Farage proposes banning foreign nationals from social housing
- Tenants must find private accommodation within three months
- Policy applies retrospectively to all current tenants
- Abolishing Indefinite Leave to Remain is part of the plan
- Farage claims anti-white racism is embedded in the state
Mentioned in this story
Nigel FarageReform UKLisa Nandy
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has said his party would ban foreign nationals from living in social housing, with tenants required to find private accommodation within three months or face possible deportation.
The party confirmed the ban would apply retrospectively, regardless of how long someone has been living in the UK, under Reform's policy of abolishing Indefinite Leave to Remain.
In a 6,800-word Substack essay, the Clacton MP said "anti-white racism was embedded into the state", and that legislation aimed at equality was a form of "social cleansing".
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told Sky News: "People want hope. They don't want more anger, they don't want more division."
"There are serious challenges that this country faces. People have not felt listened to or heard," she said, adding: People want better, they want more."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said Farage was "pushing the politics of grievance and division that goes totally against our fundamental British values of tolerance and decency".
Farage argued that politicians had created "a backdoor for anti-white discrimination".
He reiterated his party's policy that foreign nationals would not have access to welfare and said those in social housing would have three months to find alternative private rented accommodation.
Those who did not move would lose their right to remain and could face deportation.
Social housing, usually provided by housing associations or local councils, is typically cheaper and more secure than privately rented homes.
There are currently around 1.34 million households on social housing waiting lists.
Some people are given priority, for example if they are at risk of homelessness, live in overcrowded accommodation, have served in the Armed Forces or have a connection to the local area.
Migrants in the UK on student or work visas, those who arrived in the country illegally with no leave to remain and asylum seekers are not usually eligible for social housing.
Under Reform's plans, EU citizens would also lose the right to social housing, with the party planning to renegotiate post-Brexit treaties with the EU on aspects of citizens' rights that are "non-reciprocal".
The stance on social housing is similar to that of Restore's, the party formed by Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe after he was suspended from Reform.
Recent polls from the Makerfield by-election have suggested that Restore could be gaining support from voters at the expense of Reform.
Q&A
What is Nigel Farage's plan for foreign nationals in social housing?
Nigel Farage's plan involves banning foreign nationals from social housing and requiring them to find private accommodation within three months.
How will the proposed housing policy affect current tenants in the UK?
The proposed policy will apply retrospectively, meaning current tenants, regardless of how long they have lived in the UK, will need to comply or face potential deportation.
What are the implications of abolishing Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK?
Abolishing Indefinite Leave to Remain would significantly impact the residency status of many foreign nationals, potentially leading to increased deportations.
