Lib Dems Plan Coalition to Prevent Farage's Reform UK Rise Amid Migration Controversy

Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has strongly criticized Nigel Farage and his Reform UK party, labeling Farage a threat to British democracy and accusing him of wanting to transform the UK into a version of "Trump's America." Davey warned that Reform UK's immigration policies, including plans to deport migrants and abolish permanent settlement rights, could lead to a Windrush-style scandal and disrupt immigrant families. He has refused to rule out a coalition with Labour to prevent Reform UK from gaining power and emphasized the Liberal Democrats' commitment to British values centered on respect for the rule of law and tolerance. Davey also criticized the BBC for giving disproportionate coverage to Farage despite the Lib Dems holding more parliamentary seats and highlighted the party's electoral successes. He accused Farage of denigrating the UK on the international stage, including comparing Britain to North Korea, and questioned Farage's patriotism, stating that Farage does not love the country. The Liberal Democrats are positioning themselves as the true patriotic alternative, proposing reforms such as closing asylum hotels and addressing immigration backlogs to reassure communities.