A political tremor has shaken the right wing of British politics with the launch of Restore Britain, a new party spearheaded by former Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe. The move immediately positions Restore Britain as a direct competitor to Nigel Farage’s established movement, promising a starkly different path forward.
Lowe, currently representing Great Yarmouth, unveiled his vision: a restoration of “competence, confidence and national purpose” to a political landscape he clearly believes has lost its way. Initially conceived as a broader movement, Restore Britain now aims to function as an umbrella organization, partnering with local groups like Lowe’s own Great Yarmouth First to build a grassroots foundation.
The party’s platform is already drawing sharp lines, advocating for significant tax cuts and a dramatic overhaul of immigration policy. Restore Britain proposes “millions” of deportations and a firm stance against what it terms “creeping Islamification,” outlining measures like banning the burqa and specific religious slaughter practices.
This split follows a growing rift between Lowe and Farage, culminating in Lowe’s suspension from Reform UK earlier this year. The disagreement stemmed from fundamental differences in approach, particularly regarding the controversial figure of Tommy Robinson and the scale of proposed immigration reforms. Lowe had publicly advocated for deporting up to a million migrants, a position Farage didn’t endorse.
One of the most provocative proposals from Restore Britain is the withdrawal of all benefits from “all foreign nationals living in Britain.” Considering that over 10 million UK residents were born abroad – representing 16% of the population – this policy would have a sweeping impact, raising questions about fairness and integration.
The party also pledges to eliminate all foreign aid and international development funding, focusing resources squarely on domestic priorities. This uncompromising stance places Restore Britain firmly within a growing cohort of right-wing parties, including Advance UK led by Ben Habib, and the resurgent UKIP.
Interestingly, Habib has expressed enthusiasm for Lowe’s new venture, hinting at the possibility of a future merger to create a unified force on the right. However, the emergence of yet another party raises concerns about a fracturing of the vote, potentially hindering the overall impact of right-leaning ideologies.
The proposals have already sparked intense debate, with critics questioning the broad scope of the “foreign national” designation and its implications for long-term residents who have contributed to British society for decades. The very definition of national identity is being challenged by these proposals.
Lowe’s political journey began as a Conservative member and then as an MEP for the Brexit Party, before winning his seat in Parliament under Farage’s banner in 2024. Since then, he’s cultivated a reputation for strong views on immigration and Islamism, and has been a vocal advocate for an inquiry into grooming gangs.
His campaign for an inquiry into grooming gangs has even garnered the attention – and apparent endorsement – of Elon Musk, who publicly stated Lowe is “the only one who will actually do it.” Parliamentary records reveal Lowe has received nearly £40,000 from Musk’s social media platform, X, in the past year.
The suspension from Reform UK followed allegations of verbal threats and a lack of cooperation with an internal investigation, allegations Lowe vehemently denies and which were later dropped due to insufficient evidence. Now, with Restore Britain, Lowe is forging his own path, determined to reshape the political landscape according to his uncompromising vision.
