As Reform UK gains momentum in the polls, scrutiny of its leadership’s views on women and families intensifies. Prominent figures within the party have made headlines for their contentious remarks regarding marriage, reproductive rights, and family structures. This examination reveals the potential implications of these views as the party gears up for an electoral battle.
A Chequered History of Comments
Reform UK has not shied away from polarising opinions on social issues. Matt Goodwin, the party’s candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, has previously suggested that young girls need a “biological reality check.” His controversial stance extended to advocating for extra taxation on individuals without children, a proposal that ignited significant backlash. Likewise, Dr James Orr, the party’s new head of policy, has stated that marriage is optimal for child-rearing, provided it is between a man and a woman.
Nigel Farage, a prominent figure in the party, has also faced criticism for his remarks concerning the roles of men and women. In a previous statement, he claimed that men are more willing to sacrifice family for career success than women, a comment that sparked debate about gender expectations in contemporary society.
Marriage and Family Structures
The party’s leadership has notably positioned traditional marriage as a cornerstone of societal stability. In a 2025 press conference, Farage faced allegations of homophobia after asserting that heterosexual relationships are more stable than those of same-sex couples. This perspective was echoed by Danny Kruger, a former Conservative MP who joined Reform UK, advocating for marriage as the “only basis for a safe and successful society.”
Dr Orr reiterated this sentiment at the Family Education Trust’s 2025 Annual Conference, arguing that children thrive best in families with a mother and father. He described such family units as “natural” and called for a normative ideal to which society should aspire, indicating a clear preference for traditional family structures.
Abortion and Reproductive Rights
The party’s views on abortion are equally contentious. Farage has labelled the UK’s abortion laws as “out of date,” suggesting that allowing abortions up to 24 weeks is excessive. Kruger has stirred controversy by questioning the absolute right of women to bodily autonomy in a parliamentary debate, later clarifying his stance to align with the 1967 Abortion Act.
Despite a Reform spokesperson claiming the party does not have a definitive position on abortion, Dr Orr has referred to the current laws as “extreme,” drawing comparisons to countries with similarly permissive regimes. His remarks have raised concerns about the party’s commitment to women’s reproductive rights, especially as MPs push for decriminalisation reforms aimed at safeguarding women while penalising those who exploit the system.
Fertility Challenges and Policy Proposals
Addressing Britain’s declining birth rate, Goodwin previously suggested that women should receive a “biological reality check,” asserting that many are waiting too long to have children. He controversially proposed taxing childless individuals, although Farage later distanced himself from this idea, asserting that the party would not pursue such tax increases. Instead, he indicated potential tax breaks for families with multiple children, aiming to alleviate the financial burden of raising a family.
Dr Orr advocates for pro-natalist policies, expressing a need for social conservatives to explore ways to encourage higher birth rates. However, the party’s recent U-turn on lifting the two-child benefit cap—a policy initially championed by Farage—has raised questions about their sincerity regarding family support. Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick has since called for the cap to remain, undermining Farage’s prior commitment to pro-family policies.
Women, Equality, and Workplace Challenges
Reform UK’s most concrete policy regarding women and families is the proposal to abolish the Equality Act, as announced by Suella Braverman, the party’s education and equalities spokesperson. This announcement has been met with alarm, given that the Act plays a crucial role in safeguarding maternity leave and protecting against discrimination faced by mothers and pregnant women. Critics, including the Good Law Project, have accused the party of appealing to extremist views by attempting to dismantle discrimination protections.
Farage’s comments, which suggested that men are more inclined to sacrifice family for career advancement, have further fuelled accusations of sexism within the party. He controversially claimed that women who do manage to climb the career ladder have a higher chance of success than their male counterparts, a statement that has drawn ire from various quarters.
Why it Matters
As Reform UK continues to gain traction in the political landscape, the implications of its leadership’s views on women and families cannot be overstated. The party’s radical perspectives on marriage, reproductive rights, and gender roles reflect a broader ideological battle within UK politics. As they prepare for the upcoming election, voters will need to consider whether these controversial stances align with their values and the future they envision for family policies in Britain. The party’s trajectory could reshape not only its own fate but also the UK’s socio-political fabric.
