Nigel Farage must double down on these three policy areas to keep Reform UK surging
Reform UK has gained momentum recently, but the party can’t afford to relax or get too comfortable. In light of Britain’s ongoing skills shortages and rising concerns about immigration, Nigel Farage has proposed a bold but practical idea adopting a work permit system similar to the one used in Singapore. The idea is simple: allow foreign workers to fill job gaps on a temporary basis, without offering them permanent settlement. This way, Britain can meet its economic needs without committing to long-term immigration increases.
The advantage of Singapore’s system is that it works. Only a select few are granted permanent residency, while most foreign workers stay temporarily under a controlled and structured permit scheme. It helps their economy run smoothly without overwhelming their population. Farage, and Reform UK, would benefit from pushing this idea further. It’s not just theory—it’s already being done successfully in a real-world setting.
Singapore also has tough laws on crime and anti-social behaviour, which could inspire Reform’s law and order stance. The country is known for keeping public spaces safe and clean through firm enforcement. If Reform wants to promote a sense of safety and discipline at home, Singapore’s model is a proven example they could point to.
On the economic side, Singapore balances low taxes and minimal regulation with government support where needed. This mix of free-market principles and strategic intervention fits well with Reform’s image—one where hard workers are rewarded but national assets aren’t sold off carelessly. Reform’s support for saving the Scunthorpe steel plant showed that it’s willing to act when vital industries are at risk, unlike the hands-off style often associated with older Conservative policies.
If Reform UK really wants to stand out, it could also take a page from Switzerland’s playbook. In Switzerland, regular people get to vote on key policies through referendums, giving them a direct say in how the country is run. It’s a model of direct democracy that might appeal to voters tired of being ignored by Westminster. Letting the public help shape laws could have prevented many unpopular or flawed decisions made since the late 1990s.
Then there’s the Commonwealth. Reform UK could call for stronger partnerships with countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand—nations that not only share cultural ties with the UK but also have similar living standards. A close alliance between these “CANZUK” countries, with easier movement of workers and stronger trade and defence links, would likely be a big hit with Reform voters. It’s a way to support economic growth without opening the floodgates to uncontrolled immigration.
Reform UK has a growing base of support, but to stay relevant and effective, it needs solid, practical policies. Borrowing smart ideas from successful countries like Singapore, Switzerland, and Commonwealth partners would not only give them credibility—it would give the public confidence that these solutions can actually work. From immigration to crime to the economy, there are real-world examples to follow—and they’re ideas that other parties would struggle to argue against.
