Nigel Farage is planning an economic revolution (Image: Getty)

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has set out a 65-point plan to fix the UK’s broken economy, as experts predict inflation, energy prices and mortgage payments could all rise in 2027. Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey are set to deliver their first Budget this week, and Labour has said it wants to provide help with the cost of living.

But Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and his Treasury spokesman, Robert Jenrick, got in early and set out their own economic plan. Mr Farage said: “The British public is frankly fed up with successive governments dodging the big decisions. It’s clear that urgent action is required. Reform’s proposals will create a vibrant, growing private sector that delivers well-paid jobs for British citizens. Britain is broken. Britain needs Reform.”

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• 1 – Approve Rosebank immediately
• 2 – Restart licensing for new oil and gas fields
• 3 – Legalise onshore exploration in new licences
• 4 – Abolish the Energy Profits Levy immediately
• 5 – Return the statutory objective of the North Sea Transition Authority to maximum economic extraction, removing the net zero obligation, and revert its name to Oil and Gas Authority
• 6 – Abolish the Emissions Trading Scheme
• 7 – Cease the implementation of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, including the fertiliser tax
• 8 – Repudiate the AR7 contracts for difference and scrap AR8
• 9 – Implement the recommendations of the Fingleton Review for nuclear energy in full immediately
• 10 – Legislate for the automatic approval of French and South Korean nuclear designs as safe
• 11 – Reduce affordable housing requirements to 0% for brownfield developments outside of major cities and 5% for major cities
• 12 – Implement a broad Permitted Development Right for brownfield residential development
• 13 – Repeal biodiversity net gain rules
• 14 – Exit the Aarhus Convention
• 15 – Repeal and reform the Habitats Regulations, including nutrient neutrality
• 16 – End the ban on household boilers
• 17 – Legalise the use of air conditioning to meet overheating requirements and prohibit cooling hierarchy rules
• 18 – Remove mandatory Energy Performance Certificate improvements for residential and commercial buildings
• 19 – Revoke the Future Homes Standard
• 20 – Repeal the Renters’ Rights Act
• 21 – Legislate planning and environmental approval for new runway projects, including Heathrow and Gatwick, including full overrides of other legislation, unlike the broken HS2 Act
• 22 – Introduce competitive auctions for airport take-off and landing slots, starting with new and surrendered slots at Heathrow and Gatwick
• 23 – End the use of target-consistent carbon pricing in project evaluation
• 24 – Prohibit consideration of carbon emissions in individual planning applications
• 25 – Make all water reservoirs Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, bringing them into the national fast-track for major projects
• 26 – Make Development Consent Orders truly a one-stop shop, by removing the requirement that the original authority agree
• 27 – Restrict judicial review for planning decisions by the Secretary of State
• 28 – Scrap net zero rules that apply during construction (for example, National Highways’ requirement that the Lower Thames Crossing be constructed without using diesel)
• 29 – Scrap social value test for procurement

• 30 – Remove limits on the number of launches from SaxaVord Spaceport
• 31 – Open the already-built sections of East-West Rail by resolving the industrial disputes
• 32 – Joining the AI revolution
• 33 – Rapidly review regulatory barriers in the way of AI adoption across the economy
• 34 – Explicitly permit on-location dispatchable generation, including gas engines or turbines, for industrial developments, including data centres
• 35 – Return the Employer National Insurance rate to 13.8% for British workers, down from Rachel Reeves’s 15%
• 36 – Introducing a migrant worker levy to reduce the incentive to hire low-skilled foreign workers, instead of investing in British workers or automation
• 37 – Repeal Angela Rayner’s ruinous Employment Rights Act, including mandatory trade union access
• 38 – Clarify that “reasonable steps” to protect workplace rights do not require mandatory training courses
• 39 – Reform the CSCS system for tradesmen, allowing experienced tradesmen to use their experience in lieu of a qualification on government contracts and opening the system up to competition
• 40 – Review capital requirements on banks to encourage lending to the real economy
• 41 – Send a remit letter to Britain’s financial regulators, including the Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority, ruling out net zero considerations
• 42 – Repeal climate-related financial disclosures rules
• 43 – Remove the requirement that airports have ‘surface access strategies’ to reduce car traffic, thereby reducing the pressure on parking and drop-off fees
• 44 – Abolish the electric and hybrid vehicle mandates that ban new pure-internal combustion cars by 2030 and all non-zero-emission vehicles, including vans, by 2035
• 45 – Allow all HGV trips inside the United Kingdom to be subject to domestic GB hours
• 46 – Prohibit Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods
• 47 – Provide UK Treasury or British Sovereign Wealth Fund support to the Welsh Government to get the M4 Relief Road built
• 48 – Move the requirement for a new car’s first MOT from three years to four in Great Britain, in line with Northern Ireland and European norms
• 49 – Abolish the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation
• 50 – Replace the GDPR with a New Zealand-style Privacy Act that retains adequacy
• 51 – Fully re-legalise the use of Imperial units
• 52 – Review all unchanged EU law and repeal or modify all that which does not match the UK’s circumstances
• 53 – Automatically repeal all remaining unchanged EU law in five years, unless a specific decision is taken to retain it under an affirmative procedure
• 54 – Make quarterly reporting voluntary under Making Tax Digital
• 55 – Reduce the legal obligations on non-executive directors for small and medium enterprises
• 56 – Double the number of days land can be used for events, markets and other activities without planning permission from 28 to 56 days annually
• 57 – Grant pavement dining licences automatically and make them permanent unless revoked, rather than automatically expiring after two years
• 58 – Generally permit shops to stay open until 10pm, except on Sundays
• 59 – Repeal board diversity and inclusion rules
• 60 – Remove the mandate for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
• 61 – Abolish Extended Producer Responsibility (the so-called packaging tax)
• 62 – Scrap the preference for the BBC and Channel 4 on YouTube and other streaming sites
• 63 – Remove the Public Sector Equality Duty
• 64 – Adopt a five-year regulatory sunset on all existing quangos, requiring them to justify their existence or be automatically abolished
• 65 – Require all new regulations to have a sunset clause within five years, with a post-implementation review completed before the sunset, forcing ministers to actively re-commit to new rules
  

  Nigel Farage’s 65-Point Plan to Save the Economy in Full – Number 21 Is Pure Gold Dust

  Nigel Farage has put economic policy at the centre of Reform UK’s latest political offensive, unveiling an extensive package of proposals designed to boost growth, reduce regulatory barriers and encourage investment across Britain.

  The plan, presented by Reform UK’s shadow chancellor Robert Jenrick, sets out 64 initial measures intended to address what the party describes as a struggling British economy. The proposals cover energy, housing, transport, employment, financial services and the use of powers retained after Brexit. Reform has indicated that further policies could follow.

  Among the measures attracting particular attention is number 21: legislation to approve new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Reform argues that expanding airport capacity could help Britain improve its international connectivity and strengthen its position as a destination for business and investment. Critics, however, are likely to question the environmental consequences, local disruption and the wider costs of airport expansion. <Cite refs={[“turn336136search0″,”turn336136search1”]}/>

  The announcement comes as the government prepares for another difficult debate over taxes, public spending and Britain’s long-term economic direction. Reform is seeking to present itself as an alternative to the established parties, arguing that the country needs a more radical approach to growth.

  An ambitious economic programme

  At the heart of Reform’s proposal is the argument that Britain has accumulated too many restrictions on businesses, developers, employers and infrastructure projects.

  The party believes that reducing regulation could make it easier to build homes, expand transport networks, develop energy resources and attract investment. Its supporters argue that companies need predictable rules and lower costs if they are to expand operations, hire more workers and compete internationally.

  The government’s approach is different in several areas. Supporters of regulation argue that environmental standards, employment protections and planning safeguards serve important public purposes and cannot simply be treated as obstacles to economic growth.

  The central question is whether Reform’s proposed changes would generate enough additional economic activity to justify the potential costs and risks.

  The package offers a broad indication of the party’s priorities, although the actual impact would depend on legislation, implementation, funding and the responses of businesses and investors.

  Number 21: New runways at Heathrow and Gatwick

  The proposal to approve new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick stands out because aviation is closely connected to trade, tourism and Britain’s links with the rest of the world.

  Reform wants legislation to facilitate new runway capacity at both airports. The argument is that additional capacity could allow more flights, increase opportunities for international connections and support businesses that depend on air travel.

  Heathrow is particularly important as a major international hub. More runway capacity could potentially enable airlines to expand services, improve connections and accommodate additional passengers. Gatwick’s expansion could provide further capacity in the south-east and increase options for airlines and travellers.

  Businesses that rely on international markets may welcome measures that improve access to overseas customers, suppliers and investment opportunities. The tourism sector could also benefit if additional flights made Britain more accessible to international visitors.

  Yet building new runways is neither straightforward nor inexpensive. Major airport projects require planning decisions, substantial investment and careful consideration of surrounding communities. Noise, road traffic, air quality and pressure on local infrastructure are among the concerns that would need to be addressed.

  Climate policy presents another challenge. Aviation produces greenhouse gas emissions, and additional flight capacity could complicate efforts to meet emissions targets unless accompanied by credible measures to reduce the sector’s environmental impact.

  Consequently, number 21 may appeal to those who see infrastructure expansion as a route to economic growth, but it is not a guaranteed solution to Britain’s productivity problems. Its success would depend on demand, financing, planning approval and the broader economic benefits generated.

  Unlocking Britain’s energy resources

  The plan places considerable emphasis on the North Sea and domestic energy production.

  Its first five measures include approving the Rosebank oil and gas field, restarting oil and gas licensing, allowing onshore exploration, abolishing the Energy Profits Levy and restoring maximum economic extraction as the North Sea regulator’s objective. <Cite refs={[“turn336136search0”]}/>

  Reform argues that domestic energy production can support jobs, investment and energy security. It also contends that Britain should make greater use of its natural resources rather than becoming excessively dependent on imported energy.

  The proposal to remove the Energy Profits Levy is intended to change the tax environment facing oil and gas producers. Supporters believe that a more favourable fiscal framework could encourage investment and prolong activity in the North Sea.

  However, new exploration and production projects take time, and additional domestic production would not necessarily translate directly into lower household bills. Energy prices are influenced by international markets, production costs, infrastructure and wider geopolitical developments.

  Environmental concerns also remain significant. Expanding fossil-fuel production would need to be considered alongside the UK’s climate commitments and the transition towards lower-carbon energy.

  Reindustrialising Britain

  Another section of the package focuses on industrial growth and energy costs.

  Reform proposes abolishing the Emissions Trading Scheme, halting the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and changing policies associated with renewable electricity contracts and nuclear development. It also supports implementing the Fingleton Review on nuclear power and automatically approving French and South Korean nuclear designs. <Cite refs={[“turn336136search0”]}/>

  The party’s argument is that high energy costs and regulatory uncertainty can undermine British manufacturing. Reducing those pressures, it says, could help factories remain competitive and encourage investment in industrial facilities.

  Nuclear power is another important part of the proposal. Supporters argue that expanding nuclear generation could provide dependable electricity and help meet demand from industry and emerging technologies.

  But changes to carbon pricing and environmental rules could carry consequences for emissions, investment decisions and Britain’s trading relationships. The effect on manufacturers would depend on whether lower compliance costs outweighed any additional risks or expenses.

  Building more homes

  Housing and planning are also major elements of the package.

  The proposals include reducing affordable-housing requirements on brownfield sites, widening permitted development rights and changing biodiversity and habitats regulations. Reform also proposes ending the boiler ban, removing mandatory energy-performance improvements and repealing the Renters’ Rights Act. <Cite refs={[“turn336136search0”]}/>

  The party argues that planning rules and construction requirements can make development slower and more expensive. It wants to make it easier for developers to build homes and adapt existing properties.

  Supporters of this approach believe faster construction could help increase supply, create jobs and improve access to housing. They also argue that excessive regulation can make otherwise viable projects financially unattractive.

  Opponents may counter that removing safeguards does not automatically make housing affordable. The final cost of a home also depends on land prices, financing, labour, materials and the availability of infrastructure.

  Changes to rental legislation would create a separate debate about the balance between landlords’ responsibilities and tenants’ security. Any reform would need to consider how the rules affect both the supply of rental homes and the people who rely on them.

  Employment, business and financial services

  Reform’s proposals also seek to reduce costs for employers and simplify rules affecting businesses.

  The plan includes cutting employer National Insurance contributions back to 13.8 per cent, introducing a migrant worker levy and repealing the Employment Rights Act. It also proposes clarifying workplace training requirements and allowing experienced tradespeople to work on government contracts without certain Construction Skills Certification Scheme qualifications. <Cite refs={[“turn336136search0”]}/>

  Reform argues that reducing the cost of employing British workers could encourage businesses to recruit and expand. Smaller firms, in particular, often say that employment costs and administrative obligations affect their ability to grow.

  However, lower employer contributions would have implications for public revenue, while changes to employment law could alter workers’ protections. Assessing the proposals would require examining their fiscal cost and whether any resulting increase in employment would offset lost revenue.

  The financial-services section proposes reviewing bank capital requirements, excluding net-zero considerations from financial regulators’ remits and repealing climate-related financial disclosure rules.

  The party believes these changes could make it easier for financial institutions to lend and invest in the wider economy. Critics may argue that capital and disclosure requirements also serve purposes related to financial stability and the management of long-term risks.

  Transport and Brexit freedoms

  Beyond airports, Reform wants to change policies affecting motorists, freight transport and aviation fuels.

  Its measures include abolishing electric-vehicle mandates, banning low-traffic neighbourhoods, supporting the M4 Relief Road and moving the first MOT for new cars from three years to four. The package also proposes changing rules for heavy goods vehicles and abolishing the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. <Cite refs={[“turn336136search0”]}/>

  Reform argues that these changes would reduce costs and restrictions for motorists and businesses. The proposals are likely to generate debate about road safety, congestion, emissions and the cost of maintaining transport infrastructure.

  The plan also includes a section explicitly devoted to using Brexit freedoms. Measures include replacing GDPR with a New Zealand-style privacy law, reviewing unchanged EU legislation and automatically repealing remaining EU law within five years unless it is retained.

  That approach reflects Reform’s broader view that leaving the EU should give Britain greater flexibility to redesign its regulatory framework.

  The potential benefits would depend on the quality of any replacement rules and how changes affected businesses operating across international markets. Diverging from European standards might reduce certain domestic obligations, but could also create additional compliance requirements for companies trading with EU countries.

  Can the plan deliver economic growth?

  The 64 measures provide a substantial list of policy intentions, but a list alone cannot demonstrate that the programme would achieve its objectives.

  The UK faces a challenging fiscal outlook, with public debt close to £3 trillion and continuing pressure from an ageing population, public services and borrowing costs. The House of Lords Library has highlighted weak productivity growth and difficult public finances as important issues confronting policymakers. <Cite refs={[“turn336136news7”]}/>

  Against that background, any government proposing significant tax changes, regulatory reforms or infrastructure spending would need to explain how the policies would be financed and what results could reasonably be expected.

  Reform’s plan offers a clear emphasis on deregulation, domestic energy, infrastructure expansion and reducing costs for businesses. Supporters see these measures as a way to encourage investment and restore confidence. Critics will want stronger evidence that the benefits would outweigh the financial, social and environmental consequences.

  Number 21, the proposal to approve new runways at Heathrow and Gatwick, captures the wider argument. It presents infrastructure expansion as a potential engine of growth, while raising difficult questions about cost, planning, local communities and climate commitments.

  Ultimately, the success of Farage’s economic agenda would depend not on the number of proposals announced but on whether they could be implemented effectively and produce measurable improvements in productivity, wages, investment and living standards.

  For now, Reform has set out the direction in which it wants to take Britain. The next challenge will be turning that extensive list into a credible, fully costed programme—and convincing voters that the promised economic gains can be achieved without creating greater problems elsewhere.