Britain Cannot Afford Migrant Benefits
Britain’s welfare system is under immense strain — and the facts now make clear that mass migration is a major part of the problem.
New data released by the Department for Work and Pensions shows that 1.26 million foreign nationals are currently claiming Universal Credit, at a cost to the British taxpayer of over £12 billion every single year. Of those claimants, almost 740,000 are unemployed.
Even more alarming is the trajectory. These figures have doubled in just three years.
This is not sustainable. And it is not fair.
Britain Simply Cannot Afford This
At a time when working families are struggling with the cost of living, public services are stretched to breaking point, and taxes remain stubbornly high, it is indefensible that billions of pounds are being spent supporting people who are not British citizens.
Reform UK is clear and unapologetic: foreign nationals should not be entitled to claim benefits in the United Kingdom.
Under Reform UK’s policy, banning all foreign nationals from receiving benefits would save £12 billion per year — money that could instead be used to support British pensioners, improve frontline public services, or reduce the tax burden on working people.
The principle is simple. If you want to live in the UK, you must work, contribute to society, and adhere to our laws and culture. Welfare is a safety net for citizens — not a global entitlement.
The Myth of “Net Positive” Migration
For years, the mainstream left assured the public that mass migration would be an economic boon. We were told it would strengthen public finances, boost productivity, and enrich society as a whole.
The reality has been very different.
Britain now faces:
severe pressure on the NHS and GP services
overcrowded schools and local infrastructure
a deepening housing crisis
rising crime in many communities
and fewer people in work relative to population growth
Far too many of those welcomed into the country are not working, are overstaying visas, or are reliant on the state. This is not compassionate policy — it is reckless governance.
It is no longer credible to argue that the current scale and structure of migration is delivering financial benefits. On almost every measure of economic prosperity — wages, housing availability, public service performance, and national debt — Britain is weaker and poorer.
A Fair System Must Put Britain First
Reform UK’s approach is not anti-immigrant. It is pro-fairness.
Those who come here to work hard, obey the law, and contribute to the country should be welcomed. But welfare dependency cannot be imported at the expense of British taxpayers.
A benefits system that prioritises non-citizens over struggling British families is neither moral nor sustainable. Ending migrant access to benefits is not extreme — it is common sense.
Britain cannot continue to fund a welfare system that the world is invited to access. Reform UK will put an end to that — and restore fairness, responsibility, and financial realism to public policy.