Edward Apostolides is the Reform UK candidate for the Beckenham and Penge Constituency, an area he has called home for nearly thirty years. Describing Beckenham & Penge as a vibrant and diverse community, Apostolides is committed to ensuring that every resident's voice is heard, a right he believes has been eroded under successive Conservative and Labour governments.
Apostolides brings a unique perspective to his candidacy, having experienced life as a single parent, a small business owner, and a taxpayer. He believes that these experiences align closely with those of many in his community, providing him with the insights necessary to effectively represent their interests and concerns.
Apostolides expresses deep concern over a variety of issues affecting his constituency and the country at large. He cites unsustainable mass immigration, rising taxes, and escalating costs for essentials like food, housing, and energy as significant economic strains.
Additionally, he points to declining public services, with extensive NHS waiting lists and challenges in accessing GP services. Apostolides is also critical of what he describes as "wokeism" infiltrating institutions such as the police force, schools, and universities, as well as the push towards an unachievable net-zero target, which he argues will disproportionately impact the vulnerable and diminish national productivity.
Highlighting the failures of the major political parties, Apostolides argues that politicians have been "arrogant, inept, out of touch, blatantly dishonest," and dismissive of the public's wishes for decades. He contends that the British public has been misled for too long, advocating for a decisive rejection of this status quo.
Apostolides positions Reform UK as the only party offering common-sense policies that prioritize the needs of the people over "ridiculous virtue signalling ideologies" that he believes are irrelevant to the majority of British citizens.
Reform UK presents itself as a political alternative to the traditional two-party system in Britain, criticizing both the Conservative and Labour parties for their perceived failures. The party positions itself as a champion of common sense, aiming to address the numerous crises it perceives in British society, from immigration and public spending to healthcare and energy policies.
Reform UK proposes a strict limit on non-essential immigration, arguing that it will alleviate pressure on housing, public services, and wages, and protect British culture and values. The party plans to implement a robust strategy to prevent illegal immigration, including detaining and deporting illegal migrants and ending health tourism and immediate access to benefits for new arrivals.
The economic strategy includes significant tax cuts aimed at boosting the income of the working class and incentivizing small businesses. Key measures include raising the income tax threshold, reducing corporation tax for small and medium-sized enterprises, and abolishing certain business taxes to encourage investment and economic growth.
Reform UK seeks to eliminate NHS waiting lists and proposes tax breaks for healthcare workers to address staff shortages. The party advocates for using private healthcare capacity to alleviate the burden on the NHS, suggesting a voucher system for patients facing long wait times.
A controversial aspect of their platform is the rejection of Net Zero carbon goals, which the party claims are economically damaging. Reform UK intends to revive the domestic oil and gas industries, reduce reliance on renewable energy subsidies, and explore new nuclear technology without the constraints of current environmental regulations.
The party pledges to increase police numbers, implement zero tolerance policies on crime, and expedite the deportation of foreign criminals. It also aims to reform the justice system by mandating life sentences for repeat violent offenders and enhancing the budget for criminal justice.
Reform UK calls for significant constitutional reforms, including leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, reforming the House of Lords, and introducing a proportional representation voting system. These changes are aimed at making Britain's political system more democratic and accountable.
Reform UK’s platform is built on a foundation of radical change across multiple sectors of government and society. The party seeks to dismantle what it views as failed policies and replace them with a framework that prioritizes British sovereignty, cultural identity, and economic independence.