UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the UK could maintain good ties with the EU but did not provide a specific plan and opposed industrial collaboration.
Mr Farage suggested Britain could have a “friendly” relationship with the European Union but provided no details on how his party would advocate future ties with the bloc.
What did Nigel Farage say about UK-EU relations and US trade deals?
Nigel Farage argued that pursuing industrial ties with the EU would reduce Britain’s ability to secure a trade agreement with the United States.
As reported by The Standard, Mr Farage was questioned about why he opposes Labour’s push for strengthening trade relations with the EU, following their promise in their party manifesto.
The Reform leader replied,
“You can have negotiations, be friendly, and do all those things. But if we start to tie ourselves to industrial collaboration, as appears was agreed last night, then we find ourselves with less flexibility in doing deals with countries like America.”
What is Nigel Farage’s stance on a new EU deal, even without fishing access?
Mr Farage stated he would not support a new deal even if it involved limiting fishing access for EU boats.
He said,
“I do not see that any steps… back towards a failing European Union makes sense in a world that is changing very, very quickly.”
In response to a question regarding growing public support for improved relations with the EU, Mr Farage reaffirmed,
“The decision to leave was clear. We can maintain a friendly and cooperating stance.”
During an interview, the Reform leader described his relationship with Tesla owner, a prominent figure in the Trump administration, as “cordial,” even since Elon Musk called for him to step down as leader of Reform UK.
What did British Prime Minister Keir Starmer say about closer ties with the EU?
As part of efforts to reset post-Brexit ties, Keir Starmer met with EU leaders in Brussels. He stated that the UK is “not making a choice” between the US and the EU after President Trump threatened to impose tariffs on the EU.
When asked if he would reduce the focus on building stronger relations with the EU to remain aligned with the US, Sir Keir responded that both relationships are essential for the country.
Mr Farage criticized the Prime Minister’s push for industrial collaboration with the EU, calling him “a rejoiner at heart.”
Is Reform UK surpassing Labour and the Conservatives in polls?
A Monday Sky News/YouGov poll revealed that Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has surpassed Labour by one point. The poll also found that those who voted in the last general election are now considering voting for Reform.
Mr Farage’s party also topped a national opinion survey conducted by Find Out Now, securing 26%.
What did government minister Karin Smyth and shadow treasury chief Richard Fuller say about recent polling?
Government minister Karin Smyth praised Labour’s victory in the July election and stated that the latest surveys reveal the Conservative party’s “dire state.”
Ms Smyth added that Labour keeps an eye on the survey results, but the party’s primary focus remains on its current targets.
Richard Fuller, the Shadow Chief Secretary, said the polling results indicate a growing public dissatisfaction with both Labour and the Conservative Party.
He expressed that public frustration with the Tory party was a major factor in their poor performance in the election, despite the party’s new leadership.
Is Reform UK preparing for its first major election challenge in May?
Reform UK is preparing for its first local and mayoral election, which party leader Nigel Farage has described as the party’s “first real test.”
Recently, rumours spread that a tech mogul would make a $100 million donation to the Reform UK party after meeting him in December, but later Mr Farage rejected this claim.The Reform leader remarked about Mr Musk, stating, “He wanted me to go down a path that I didn’t want to follow. I don’t get bullied by anybody.”