'Why I believe Reform UK deserves a chance in government' - Reader's letter
Cyril Olsen on why Reform UK deserve a chance...
Having read Bryan Hopkin's Star 7th June letter 'Reform voters being fooled' I respectfully advise him to think carefully before putting pen to paper.
I totally agree with him that the surge in support for Reform UK shows a deep unhappiness with the Labour and Conservative parties.
Labour won the last general election with a massive majority based on the electorate not being satisfied with the efforts of the Tories during the 14 years they were in office.
Sadly in the two years since being elected, Labour led by Keir Starmer and David Lammy has lost the respect and support of a large part of the electorate, so much so that the Prime Minister has the lowest public popularity rating of all time and his deputy is perceived by many to be a political jackass.
Reform UK presents itself not as a solution but a viable alternative to the big two - to solve the mess left by them will take considerable time and effort, rather than condemn the 'newcomer,' why not give them an opportunity to try and get us out of the current mess we are in?
The Party has certainly captured the attention and support of the UK electorate and now has the most party members - not bad considering their low parliament representation!
Bryan stresses the financial support given to Reform UK by a small group of ultra-wealthy crypto-investors (sic).
While their donations are indeed high he should set this against the financial worth of the main parties in the run up to the last election in 2024.
Labour declared a total income of £90,748,000. Conservative £50,174,000. Reform UK £ 10.644,617. Liberal Democrat £8,069,285. Green £5,217,767.
While Reform UK has been supported by one off donations from the people he mentions, Labour receives an ongoing annual donation from the UK Trade Unions paid out of members fees while the Tory party is funded by large business owners and entrepreneurs as well as smaller individuals.
As one of the c 280,000 current members of Reform UK paying a £20 - £25 subscription per annum depending on age, I am happy to contribute my 'widow's mite' offering compared to the ultra-wealthy ones described by Bryan.
I must differ with his assertion that a Reform government will do everything it can to make the wealthy wealthier - I suggest that the vast majority of our grassroots membership is anything but!
As a Party member I do not blame immigrants (genuine people fleeing for their lives) for all the ills of the country (sic) but deprecate those illegal boat migrants who come over solely to seek a better financial life with free housing, health, education and welfare benefits provided, having paid nothing into our financial system.
The cost to the nation for their support is huge and could be put to better use to benefit the indigenous population - charity begins at home!