- European affairs minister Nick Thomas Symonds has warned that Reform UK's policies could trigger a trade war with the EU, with more severe consequences than tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.
- Mr Thomas Symonds specifically criticised Reform's plans to revoke the settled status deal for EU citizens and withdraw from key agreements like the emissions trading system, which he estimates could cost the economy up to £9bn annually by 2040.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to echo these warnings regarding Reform's immigration policies in her upcoming Mais Lecture, highlighting the potential loss of welfare payments for non-British citizens.
- Reform UK responded to the claims by accusing Labour of “scaremongering”, with deputy leader Richard Tice defending their stance that welfare should be for those who have contributed, not an “open-ended entitlement”.
- Mr Thomas Symonds also stated that a future Labour government would not seek to rejoin the EU or a customs union, instead pursuing a 'closer relationship' based on “ruthless pragmatism”.
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