Reform’s new economic adviser has called for end of pensioners’ triple lock
Exclusive: Mitchell Palmer has also argued for privatising the NHS and immigration as way of cutting poverty Reform UK’s new economic adviser has previously called the pensions triple lock unsustainable, advocated privatising the NHS and welcomed migration as a poverty alleviation tool, the Guardian can reveal. Robert Jenrick, Reform’s economic spokesperson, has appointed Mitchell Palmer, a…
Reform's new economic advisor, Mitchell Palmer, has urged an end to pensioners' triple lock, criticizing it as an unsustainable and expensive measure to protect retirees. Palmer, a right-wing economist from the Adam Smith Institute, has also advocated for the privatization of the NHS and welcomed immigration as a means to alleviate poverty, according to the Guardian.
His appointment as one of Reform's key advisers comes amid internal tensions within the party over the balance between tax cuts and welfare spending. Palmer previously questioned the triple lock's effectiveness, arguing that it imposes an unpredictable increase on pensioners. He also suggested that pensioners already enjoy better real-term incomes compared to working individuals, which could be seen as unfair to younger generations.
In another interview, Palmer endorsed the privatization of the NHS, claiming it had poor cancer survival rates, rationing, and a bad safety record. Despite these views, a Reform spokesperson stated that they believe in hiring individuals with whom they disagree, and a Labour source accused the party of promoting policies detrimental to ordinary citizens.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
