Reform UK Policy Chief Confronted Over NHS Plans

Reform UK’s policy chief was left squirming as he was confronted on BBC Question Time over his party’s plans for the NHS.

James Orr repeatedly refused to rule out introducing an insurance-based funding model if Nigel Farage becomes prime minister at the next general election.

The Reform leader has previously called for a “fundamental rethink” of the way the NHS is run.

When Question Time presenter Fiona Bruce asked what that meant, Orr said: “What he’s talking about is the model, which I think everyone can see is simply not working.”

Health secretary Wes Streeting, who was also on the panel, said: “Farage has said he wants an insurance-style system and he’s said he’s up for anything. I’m sure he is. And I’m sure he can afford it … but most people can’t.”

Asked by Bruce what options for NHS reform his party was considering, Orr said: “There will be a long process of policy ideation. We’ll be talking to experts.”

Pressed by the presenter again, Orr said: “What [Farage] is saying and what I think everybody recognises is that more money, more investment, is not delivering gains in the quality of the system.”

Bruce then asked again: “What other options are Reform UK considering in terms of the NHS?”

Orr replied: “We are preparing for government, we are looking for ways to maintain the basic principle that the NHS will always be free at the point of delivery.

“But there are all sorts of ways in which we could rethink management structures, think about the ways that the funding is allocated more efficiently, working out why mental health is getting worse despite increased funding.”

Bruce then asked him: “Just to be clear, are you categorically ruling out that part of the mix for funding the NHS would not be a social insurance policy under a Reform UK government?”

Orr said: “It would always be free at the point of delivery.”

Streeting told the audience: “He’s not ruling it out, that’s exactly what they’re going to do. They’re just not willing to say it because they know it’s unpopular and people would never vote for it.

“You would dismantle the NHS given the chance, you just don’t have the guts to say it.”

But Orr said: “Read our manifesto Wes, that is not on the table.”