Big Trouble for Nigel Farage as Labour Launches First Strike Against Resurgent Reform Party

Labour is reportedly planning to use Nigel Farage’s controversial ideas about the NHS to weaken Reform UK’s position in the polls. Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has often suggested that the UK should adopt an insurance-based system for healthcare, similar to France’s model, where people pay into an insurance scheme. Last weekend, he faced criticism after suggesting this idea during an interview on LBC. Labour quickly shared a clip of his interview on social media, accusing Farage of wanting patients to pay for their own healthcare.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting supported Labour’s stance, saying that under Reform UK, the NHS would become a poor service for poor people, while others would have to pay for private healthcare. He emphasized that Labour would rebuild the NHS to ensure it remains free for everyone. Streeting also urged voters to consider whether they could afford private health insurance if Reform UK’s plans were implemented.

Farage responded by denying Labour’s claims, stating that the NHS would always remain free under a Reform UK government. However, critics pointed out that his election “contract” proposed a 20% tax relief on private healthcare and insurance, which some see as a benefit for wealthier individuals.

Meanwhile, Streeting faced criticism earlier this month for allocating £2.5 billion to private hospitals to help reduce NHS waiting times, which some argued could lead to further privatization of the NHS.

Labour plans to focus on Farage’s comments about the NHS during the upcoming local elections in May. A Labour source said the public strongly supports the NHS being free for everyone, and Farage’s proposals for a fee-based system could threaten this. They warned that under such a system, patients might have to pay hundreds or even thousands of pounds for treatments like hip replacements or cataract surgery.

Jonathan Ashworth, a former Labour politician, criticized Farage’s plans, saying they would introduce a US-style health insurance system that would likely upset voters.

Despite the criticism, recent polls show Reform UK, which currently has five MPs, gaining popularity and even surpassing both Labour and the Conservatives. Farage has also expressed his ambition to become the UK’s next prime minister.