For years, we’ve been told that mass immigration is good for Britain.
That welcoming skilled migrants would boost our economy, strengthen public services, and fuel innovation.
But if you take a closer look at where we are today, that narrative starts to crumble.
Our communities are under pressure, our hospitals are overwhelmed, and there are growing numbers of people unable to find housing or secure a job.
So, the big question is this—who is really benefiting from the system?
What the Latest Numbers Say About Welfare and Migration
The Department for Work and Pensions just released new figures that should make everyone sit up and pay attention.
Right now, 1.26 million foreign nationals are claiming Universal Credit—costing taxpayers more than £12 billion each year.
Even more concerning? Around 740,000 of those claimants aren’t working at all.
And here’s the kicker: that number has doubled in just three years.
A Broken System That Rewards the Wrong Behaviour
This isn’t about blaming individuals—it’s about facing the truth that the immigration system is broken.
Far too many people come to the UK, don’t work, overstay their visas, and rely on public support, all while hard-working British taxpayers foot the bill.
The message being sent is worrying: arrive in the UK, and you’ll be met with a warm welcome, access to free housing and, in some areas, even free public transport.
And the chances of deportation? Pretty slim.
The Hidden Bill: What Migration Really Costs
When you add up housing, welfare payments, healthcare, and transport, the real cost of mass migration could be tens of billions annually.
That’s money coming out of the pockets of those who work hard, pay taxes, and play by the rules.
Despite years of media spin, it’s getting harder and harder to argue that mass immigration has made Britain stronger or more prosperous.
On almost every front—from housing to the NHS—the country is worse off.
A Proud History of Helping – But There’s a Limit
Britain has always stepped up to help those in need.
We’ve opened our doors to 200,000 Ukrainians fleeing war, and more than 100,000 people from Hong Kong escaping repression.
That generosity is something to be proud of.
But we can’t keep pretending there’s an endless supply of space, money, or resources.
These acts of kindness should never come at the expense of British citizens who are struggling at home.
Our Public Services Are at Breaking Point
The Office for National Statistics now predicts that Britain’s population will hit 72.5 million by 2032.
That’s nearly a million more people every year.
And our services are already cracking under the weight.
The NHS backlog for consultant-led care is at a record high—7.46 million people. We’re also facing one of the worst hospital bed shortages in the developed world.
Who’s Really to Blame? Both Parties Have Let Us Down
Labour may have taken immigration numbers to new highs, but the Conservatives can’t escape responsibility either.
For years, they claimed that migration was always a benefit—that it meant more workers and more contributions.
That simply hasn’t been true.
And worse? They knew it wasn’t true, but they kept the lie going.
What Reform Would Do Differently
Under a Reform UK government, things would change fast.
Here’s what the plan looks like:
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Ban all benefits for foreign nationals
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Freeze all immigration immediately
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Deport those here illegally
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Pause legal migration and restart it only for top-tier professionals—doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs
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Vet asylum seekers properly and require full cultural integration from all new arrivals
It’s a bold approach—but one that aims to protect British jobs, culture, and public services.
It’s Time to Put Britain First Again
Governments exist to serve the people. But right now, it feels like British citizens have been pushed to the back of the queue.
Reform UK believes that must change.
The UK is not a free-for-all. It’s not a charity for the world.
It’s time to get serious about putting British people first—their jobs, their housing, their future.
A Simple Pledge for Real Change
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, puts it plainly:
Freeze immigration. Stop benefits for foreign nationals. Deport foreign criminals. Prioritise British families.
Because if we don’t fix this system now, who will be left to carry the load tomorrow?