Nigel Farage sparks fiery Good Morning Britain row with welfare plan that shuts out foreigners

Nigel Farage set off another storm this morning after his latest comments about welfare sparked a fiery debate on Good Morning Britain. Sitting down with Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley, guests Mark Littlewood and Sebastian Salek clashed over Farage’s idea that only UK citizens should have access to benefits if Reform UK were to win the next election. Foreign nationals, under his plan, would be cut off from support.

The remarks triggered heated back and forth, with Mark Littlewood throwing his support behind Farage’s proposal. Speaking to the ITV hosts, he argued that Britain “can’t be the food bank of the world” and said the principle of the system should be simple, reported the Express.

According to him, people should only be able to claim if they’ve paid in first. He added, “That’s what National Insurance contributions were supposed to be.”

The debate quickly turned into a tense exchange. Sebastian Salek challenged the fairness of excluding foreign nationals, pointing out that many of them already contribute through taxes and work essential jobs. Reid pressed both guests to answer whether such a change would be workable in practice or if it was simply another political soundbite designed to stir division.

Farage’s latest remarks are the newest in a string of headline-grabbing promises aimed at voters worried about immigration and the cost of living. Reform UK has been pushing to carve out space in British politics by positioning itself as tougher on borders and stricter on public spending.

This proposal goes directly to the heart of that message, raising questions about who should be entitled to state support during tough times.

The conversation reflected how sharply divided opinion is on the issue. Supporters of Farage’s stance argue that restricting welfare to citizens is a matter of fairness, ensuring that those who pay into the system are the ones who benefit.

Critics counter that such a move ignores the contributions of migrants, many of whom take on jobs in health care, construction, and hospitality, while also paying taxes and National Insurance.

As the debate unfolded, the tension in the studio was hard to miss. Reid pushed back on sweeping statements, while Madeley tried to steer the discussion toward whether Reform UK’s plan could ever realistically become policy.

Salek insisted that any attempt to exclude foreign workers from welfare would be unfair and damaging to Britain’s reputation. Littlewood, however, stood firm, suggesting that tightening welfare rules would make the system sustainable and restore public trust.

The segment ended without resolution, but it highlighted the sharp divisions around Farage’s pitch. For some, his comments are common sense and overdue.

For others, they’re dangerous rhetoric that risks stoking resentment and undermining social cohesion. Either way, Farage once again succeeded in driving the agenda and putting his party in the headlines.