By Karim Hammam
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, said he deliberately missed Chancellor John Healey's first Budget speech in the House of Commons on Wednesday to avoid a potential physical altercation, claiming his prayer card had been removed from his seat.
Farage told a Westminster press conference that he had already been involved in a physical confrontation with another MP during the state opening of Parliament on May 13. He said he saw the removal of his prayer card as a sign of another possible clash and chose to stay away.
The Clacton MP added that he spent the time analyzing the Budget with his team of economists, which he considered more useful. He also said he had planned to attend Prime Minister's Questions but anticipated conflict.
Farage described the parliamentary environment as "pathetic" and compared it to being at school. He joked that he is a "very quiet, shy, modest kind of person" and opted to give the chamber a wide berth.
At the same briefing, Reform UK's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick strongly criticized the financial plans, calling it a "do-nothing Budget" and a "nothingburger." Jenrick said Britain is broke and the £100 energy payment is insufficient.
Farage characterized the Budget as a "retail Budget aimed at an early general election," praising Healey's delivery as "assured" and "competent" but warning of hidden consequences that will make people poorer each year under Labour.
Farage also expressed shock at the extent of additional support allocated for Ukraine, questioning whether the money will be used properly and voicing concern about Putin's rationality.
