declining values in the uk

  I served in the Armed Forces for 30 years and later qualified as a Chartered Secretary, combining accountancy and law. I then spent 14 years as Head of Finance & Administration at a large secondary school. Over my lifetime, I have seen a significant decline in standards and values in the UK, and I am deeply concerned about the direction of our country.

  Immigration today is at levels far higher than anything seen in previous decades. According to the Office for National Statistics, long-term immigration has averaged close to 900,000 a year in recent years, far above historical norms. Irregular arrivals have also grown sharply, with tens of thousands crossing the Channel annually.

This places serious strain on housing, healthcare and education. Governments of both Conservative and Labour have failed to control the numbers or set a clear long-term plan.

Reform UK would take firm action:

Stop illegal immigration and enforce deportations

Freeze non-essential legal immigration

Prioritise skilled workers who contribute to the economy

The British public deserve a fair, sustainable immigration system that works for the country—not against it.

  Marriage rates have fallen sharply since the late 20th century, and the tax system no longer supports family stability as it once did. When the married couples allowance was reduced and ultimately removed in the 1990s, the financial recognition of marriage disappeared.

During my time handling school disciplinary cases, I saw first-hand how instability at home can contribute to behavioural difficulties. Not all single parents struggle—many do a remarkable job—but strong, stable families give children the best chance of success.

Reform UK would restore tax support for marriage, helping strengthen family life and encouraging a stable home environment for children.

  The first duty of any government is to defend the nation. Today, the UK faces increasing global threats yet our Armed Forces are smaller than at any time in modern history. Defence spending is around 2.3% of GDP, but the British Army has been reduced to roughly 72,000 regular personnel, making it difficult to deploy substantial forces when needed.

During the Cold War, the Army was more than double its current size, and we maintained strong forces in Europe to deter aggression. Today, both our troop numbers and equipment stockpiles have been weakened by decades of cuts made under both Conservative and Labour governments.

Reform UK would:

Recruit 30,000 additional troops

Reform defence procurement to prioritise British manufacturing

Rebuild ammunition and equipment reserves

Introduce an Armed Forces Justice Bill to protect service personnel from vexatious prosecutions

A strong nation requires strong defence—and our servicemen and women deserve the full support of their government.

  Our country is heading in the wrong direction.

Whether on immigration, family policy or defence, the establishment parties have failed again and again. Reform UK offers a credible, common-sense alternative—one that prioritises national security, stable families and sustainable immigration.

I look forward to the election of a Reform Government that will restore UK values and put our country back on the right path.

ROD MACARTHUR