Nigel Farage unveils pro-family policies to address declining birth rates

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has unveiled a suite of pro-family policies aimed at tackling the UK’s declining birth rate, which he described as an “existential crisis.”

In a recent speech, Farage outlined proposals that include tax incentives for married couples and the removal of the two-child benefit cap. He emphasized that these measures are designed to ease the financial burden on families and encourage population growth.

Among the headline proposals is a transferable tax allowance of up to £25,000 for married couples, which Farage argues would offer meaningful financial support and promote family stability. He also pledged to scrap the two-child benefit cap — a policy introduced by the Conservative government in 2017 that limits means-tested benefits to a family's first two children. Repealing this measure, estimated to cost £3.5 billion annually, is aimed at relieving pressure on larger families.

Farage further proposed raising the personal income tax threshold from £12,570 to £20,000 — a substantial tax cut with an estimated annual cost of £50 to £80 billion. To fund these policies, he suggested scrapping net zero climate policies, reducing asylum-related spending, and cutting government waste.

Addressing concerns about his emphasis on marriage, Farage noted, “I’m not moralising — my own track record isn’t so good on this,” referencing his two divorces. However, he maintained that "making marriage a little bit more important" could help provide children with better life outcomes.

When questioned on abortion policy, Farage reaffirmed his pro-choice stance but criticized the current 24-week limit for termination, calling it “utterly ludicrous” in light of medical efforts to save premature babies born at 22 weeks.