Coffee House Shots Farage goes after Boris
Sep 22, 2025
In this discussion, political journalists James Heale and Tim Shipman dive into Nigel Farage's radical immigration plan to scrap indefinite leave for migrants, exploring its potential impact and feasibility. Heale explains how this could affect hundreds of thousands in the UK while Shipman breaks down the strategic implications for the Conservative Party. They also tackle Keir Starmer's recognition of Palestine and the government's approval of a second Gatwick runway, debating the political fallout and growth promises leading up to the next election.
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Reform Frames Migration As A Boris Reversal
- Reform's plan to scrap indefinite leave to remain is framed as a radical restoration of pre-Boris rules.
- James Heale says it would force many migrants to reapply and affect hundreds of thousands of people.
Savings Are Lifetime, Not Annual
- Reform claims scrapping indefinite leave would deliver very large lifetime savings.
- James Heale and others note the figures (e.g., £234bn) are lifetime estimates and are under revision.
Policy As Political Weapon Against Tories
- Farage's attack targets both Boris Johnson and the Conservatives to block a Tory revival.
- Tim Shipman warns the policy would face massive legal challenges and could take months or years to implement.