Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has criticized Reform UK’s proposed cuts under Nigel Farage’s leadership, warning of increased child poverty and elderly hardship. The cuts, amounting to over £200 billion annually, could lead to severe consequences akin to shutting down essential services like the NHS and schools. Richard Tice, Farage’s deputy, aims to reduce public funding to 35% of GDP, a move that could eliminate £275 billion.
Brown issued a call to action against Farage, cautioning that allowing Reform’s agenda to proceed would jeopardize access to healthcare and support for the sick, disabled, and unemployed. He highlighted the existing issue of child poverty, exacerbated by Conservative policies that have left millions of children in impoverished conditions.
The former PM emphasized the risks posed by Farage’s agenda, stating that public services are at stake, potentially resulting in more children living in poverty and pensioners struggling to afford basic necessities. Brown urged voters to recognize the threats posed by both Reform UK and the Conservative Party.
Speaking at Multibank in Fife, Brown highlighted the increasing levels of poverty attributed to the Tories’ governance over the past 14 years, with 4.5 million children currently living in poverty. He painted a stark picture of children lacking basic amenities like beds, cookers, heaters, and hygiene products, emphasizing the urgency to address these issues.
In support of Labour’s efforts against Reform UK at the party conference in Liverpool, Brown stressed the importance of long-term planning to combat child poverty. He advocated for a comprehensive approach that not only provides a safety net but also serves as a springboard for families to escape poverty.