The Dangerous normalization of far-right politics in Britain

In a series of media appearances in recent days — including press conferences and radio/TV interviews — Farage declared that if he became prime minister, he would eliminate permanent residency altogether.

Instead, migrants would live under renewable five-year visas, with stricter language requirements and higher income thresholds for applications. Access to social services and welfare would also be more limited. Farage claimed these changes would save the government over £230 billion in the coming years. But experts and critics argue that the figures are unrealistic and that the plan would destabilize the lives of thousands of migrant families.

The proposal quickly triggered a wave of backlash. Critics warn that scrapping permanent residency undermines one of the oldest pillars of Britain’s immigration system. Many fear that individuals with permanent residency would face uncertainty every few years, at risk of losing legal status if their visa was not renewed. A new Oxford University report estimates that around 430,000 non-EU nationals currently hold permanent residency. The pressing question: what would happen to them if Farage’s plan is implemented?

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey responded sharply during his party’s annual conference, saying: “We must not let Britain become Trump’s America.” He accused Farage and his allies of paving the way for the privatization of healthcare and weakening of gun-control laws, and stressed to his supporters that the Lib Dems remain “the last line of defense” against such politics.

Meanwhile, the wave of defections from the Conservative Party has shifted the political landscape. Danny Kruger became the first Tory MP to officially join Farage, paving the way for others. Media reports suggest at least nine Conservative MPs have switched allegiance so far. Though the number is still small, the symbolism is significant, sending shockwaves through Westminster.

Polling data appears to confirm the shift. Surveys by YouGov show Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s popularity declining, while Reform UK has overtaken rivals in some regions such as Wales. For the first time, Farage is being viewed not merely as a fringe voice, but as a serious national player.

Still, many details of the plan to abolish permanent residency remain unclear. It is not yet known whether the changes would apply to current holders or only to future applicants. Some analysts warn that implementing the plan could trigger legal and humanitarian crises, flooding the courts with new cases.

What is clear, however, is that Farage has skillfully put immigration at the center of Britain’s political debate. He knows how to link economic concerns and social anxieties to the slogan of “border control,” winning public attention. But critics argue this is little more than playing on people’s fears, and that in practice his solutions are far from realistic, instead deepening divisions in society.

Recent trends suggest that the far right in Britain is edging closer than ever to the political mainstream. Splits within traditional parties, falling trust in the Labour government, and rising tensions over public services and the cost of living have created fertile ground for Farage to exploit. While centrist parties hope tactical voting can stop Reform’s advance, the very need for such tactics is itself a sign of how polarized the political scene has become.