Labour deserve praise for one plan they have made since coming to power, Nigel Farage has said on GB News.
The Reform UK leader was discussing the Government’s decision to free criminals from prisons in a bid to free up space.
It emerged yesterday that dozens of criminals have allegedly reoffended and been returned to jail.
Nigel, 60, hit out at the Government’s approach to prisons during their short time in power so far, but admitted they have handled one issue appropriately in his eyes.
Nigel Farage admitted there is 'one thing' he will praise Labour for
PA / GB NEWS
“One thing I will praise this Government for”, he said.
“They have said they will decriminalise those who don’t pay the BBC licence fee.
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Labour are said to be drawing up plans to scrap decriminalisation of non-payment
Getty“Many women have gone to prison over the last couple of decades for non-payment of the BBC licence fee.”
While Labour are yet to officially unveil plans to decriminalise non-payment of the licence fee, it was reported in the Sunday Times that ministers will consider ending protections.
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, and Shabana Mahmoud, the Justice Secretary, are both said to be in favour of the proposal.
It comes amid fears the £170-a-year tax is disproportionately affecting women.
Nigel Farage spoke to Lloyd Russell-Moyle and Jake Berry on GB News about the matter
GB NEWS
A senior Government source told The Sunday Times: “The administrative burden of policing non-payment of the licence fee should not be falling on the taxpayer.
“It should be carved out. It’s not worth the hassle it creates.”
Official figures show that 1,000 people are currently being prosecuted every week for non-payment, of which 70 per cent are women.
Some are ending up in prison, further contributing to the overflow which Starmer is seeking to tackle.
He went about doing so in September by freeing 1,700 prisoners, sparking scenes of jubilation outside jails across the country.
But many have since reoffended and find themselves back behind bars.
Nigel hit out on GB News at the early release, saying it was done so to free up space for “people making Facebook posts”.
“447 inmates were released from Scottish prisons in four tranches over the course of this summer”, he said.
“And guess what, 57 have reoffended, been re-convicted and are back behind bars.
“And all of this for people saying nasty things on Facebook. This is terrible.”