Reform UK leader Nigel Farage says he missed John Healey's budget after alleged chamber altercation

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage told reporters he did not attend Chancellor John Healey's budget presentation because he became involved in a physical altercation with an MP during the State Opening of Parliament. Farage said he chose not to make a fuss at the time but feared another confrontation after noticing his prayer card had been removed, a device used by MPs to reserve a seat in the Commons chamber. Instead, he remained with a group of Reform UK economists while the budget was delivered.

Conservative MP Alicia Kearns disputed Farage's account, stating that Reform MPs could have offered him a seat and questioning when Farage entered the chamber looking for a place to sit.

Farage used the occasion to criticize Labour's handling of the economy, warning that unemployment could rise to 5.1% next year and that the country's benefits bill was set to increase. He also reiterated his expectation of an early general election in May 2026 and warned that borrowing figures were “out of control,” suggesting that the government should act now to avoid worsening debt and higher interest rates.

Labour officials responded to the budget by defending their defence spending target of three percent of GDP by 2030, a goal that Reform UK also supports. The Prime Minister rejected speculation about a snap election, saying a general election would not be called within the next twelve months.