Joshua Leon Pearl, standing as the Reform UK candidate for the Hendon Constituency, emphasizes his deep-rooted connection to Hendon, having lived there his entire life. Pearl is committed to preserving the local character of the area, advocating for development that enhances rather than overshadows the community.
He highlights the issue of large, imposing tower blocks in West Hendon as a key concern, promoting a vision for more aesthetically pleasing and community-friendly architectural choices.
On a national scale, Pearl intends to address what he sees as the degradation of government services by previous administrations. He outlines specific areas needing urgent reform.
Pearl notes the increased wait times for Grants of Probate since 2020 reforms, which have centralized processes and eliminated expedited services, leading to significant distress for bereaved families.
He points to extended delays in processing property-related documents, attributing these to staffing cuts and a loss of experienced personnel.
Pearl criticizes the understaffing and poor maintenance of courts, which he believes undermines public confidence in the justice system.
He argues that better maintenance of roads and pavements could reduce accidents and subsequent compensation claims, ultimately saving money.
Pearl discusses the impact of potential VAT on private school fees and how it might strain public schools. He also comments on the tax disincentives affecting senior doctors and property movements, including high stamp duties and capital gains tax adjustments.
He critiques the privatization of utilities, particularly water companies, for lacking accountability and contributing to environmental degradation.
Pearl expresses concern over the long-term effects of policies from the era of Tony Blair, which he believes have exacerbated issues like housing shortages, healthcare capacity, and overcrowding in prisons and transport systems. By casting a vote for him, Pearl argues that constituents can support a halt to what he describes as the managed decline of Britain, instead endorsing a positive vision for a country that operates efficiently and effectively.
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.