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A European diplomat called the proposal “toxic” and “legally unworkable”.
A European diplomat called the proposal “toxic” and “legally unworkable”.
What is happening?
Reform UK has pledged to renegotiate parts of the Brexit deal to stop EU citizens with “settled status” from claiming benefits in Britain, if it wins the next general election.
The controversial proposal would mark a major shift in the treatment of EU nationals living in the UK since Brexit.
Brussels pushes back against Reform’s plans
EU officials have firmly rejected the idea, warning there’s little appetite to reopen the post-Brexit treaty.
“Why would we agree to make EU nationals worse off?” one European diplomat told The Telegraph, calling the proposal politically toxic and legally unworkable.
Breach of Brexit deal could trigger diplomatic fallout
A European source cautioned that any UK move to unilaterally strip rights from EU residents would breach the withdrawal treaty and damage UK-EU relations.
“It would not happen,” they said, warning of “huge consequences” if Britain reneges on its commitments.
UK expats in Europe also protected by treaty
Officials also pointed out that any move against EU nationals in the UK could endanger the rights of British citizens living in the EU.
Reciprocal protections are baked into the current deal, meaning changes could affect both sides of the Channel.
Farage wants tighter controls and higher wages
Nigel Farage argued that tougher migration rules would raise wages for British workers by ending the era of “endless cheap foreign labour.”
Reform UK’s plan includes abolishing “indefinite leave to remain” and making all migrants apply for work visas with higher salary thresholds.
Initial exemption for 4.2 million EU citizens
Despite the tough rhetoric, Reform UK later clarified that 4.2 million EU citizens with settled status would be temporarily exempt from the changes — raising questions about the actual scope of the proposed welfare savings.
Policy targets just 431,000 non-EU migrants — at first
The initial phase of the policy would affect about 431,000 non-EU migrants who currently have indefinite leave to remain.
Government figures show these individuals make up just 2.7% of universal credit claimants — compared to nearly 10% who have EU settled status.
£234 billion savings claim under fire
Reform UK claims it could save £234 billion through these reforms — but the number is based on outdated estimates.
The Centre for Policy Studies has since distanced itself from the figure, and Labour branded the plan “unfunded, unworkable, and falling apart.”
No exemptions for family ties
Farage said the new rules would apply to everyone — even those with British family members, Ukrainians, and Hong Kongers.
“A work visa is for you. Not to bring your family. At the end of it, you leave or get deported,” he said.
Business leaders warn of labour shortages
Industry groups have warned the plan could backfire.
“Most employers only recruit overseas when they can’t fill roles domestically,” said Alex Hall-Chen from the Institute of Directors.
The new visa salary threshold — up to £60,000 — could exclude many vital workers.
This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, which may have used AI in the preparation
