Rise of Reform party shows why UK needs 'One Nation' Tory fightback – Scotsman comment

When Nigel Farage persuaded just enough voters to back Brexit, he metaphorically set the UK’s house on fire, with one recent estimate that the UK economy is £140 billion smaller as a result. Now this political arsonist is shamelessly masquerading as the only firefighter who can douse the flames.

Despite the absence of any significant benefits as a result of leaving the European Union, in the minds of many on the political right, Brexit has not tarnished Farage’s reputation but improved it. They appear ready to send the country careering towards a future in which the alternative to Labour is not sensible, liberal conservatism but hard-right populism. The coming elections in France, which Marine Le Pen’s National Rally may win, could prove to be a harbinger of similar doom for the UK.

In these circumstances, One Nation Tories must develop a coherent, distinct platform that provides an effective response to both Labour and Reform. There are Conservatives who clearly believe copying Farage is the best way to neutralise his threat. Instead, such a strategy would be more likely to persuade voters that he is right. Tories whose main concerns are a strong economy and the maintenance of cherished institutions and fundamental values need to demonstrate there are vital, meaningful differences between their views and Reform’s.

Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage hopes to become Prime Minister in 2029 (Picture: Benjamin Cremel/AFP via Getty Images)

Like Donald Trump and other populists, Farage’s main tactic is a nationalistic rallying cry centred on immigration. Traditional Tories need to demonstrate they are alive to voters’ concerns about record net-migration figures and have a plan to reduce the numbers, but also make the case for the skilled migrants that businesses and public services like the NHS desperately need.

Farage, who wants to reduce net migration to zero, has recently been dreaming about becoming Prime Minister. If that happens, the economic consequences would be severe. And if someone who is essentially an English nationalist becomes leader of the UK, it will have serious ramifications for Scotland and its place in the Union.

With the threat to this country posed by the hard-right now very real, liberal Conservatives must urgently get their act together, then stand up and be counted.

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