LONDON — Ben Habib, firebrand British politician and former Brexit Party MEP, just announced the launch of Advance UK, a new political party in the United Kingdom.
“No party stands for the Union, free speech, or true democracy,” Habib declared.
Declaring the United Kingdom is in “deep trouble,” Habib promised to restore national sovereignty, free speech, democracy, and equality before the law, accusing existing parties of betraying the nation to globalist agendas.
“The United Kingdom faces existential threats constitutionally, culturally, economically,” Habib thundered in a video on Advance UK’s website. “We are on the precipice, if not over it.”
Advance UK emerges as Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party faces growing distrust.
Farage, a Brexit architect and former Trump ally, has alienated supporters with erratic leadership and flip-flopping on core principles. Brits point to Farage’s rejection of hardline immigration figures like Tommy Robinson, which sparked a public feud with Elon Musk.
“Farage doesn’t have what it takes,” Musk posted on X in January, demanding new leadership for Reform UK after Farage distanced himself from Robinson.
Habib was once Reform UK’s co-deputy leader but quit in November 2024, citing “fundamental differences” with Farage over Brexit and immigration. Farage has resisted Habib’s support for “mass deportations.” Some right-wing populists now question if Farage, cozy with establishment donors like Nick Candy, has been compromised.
“Farage is Reform. Reform is Farage,” Habib told Reuters, lamenting the sidelining of grassroots supporters.
Advance UK pledges a democratic structure, with members electing a “college” to enforce principles and board to oversee the executive. Membership is open to British citizens on the electoral roll who are not affiliated with other parties.
The party prioritizes free speech, refusing to police members’ views.
“We won’t throw members under a bus for saying something silly on Twitter,” Habib said.
The party aims for 300,000 members before applying for Electoral Commission registration, positioning itself to the right of Reform UK. Habib rejects the “right-wing” label, deeming it a slur used to discredit patriots.
As the 2029 UK general election looms, polling shows Reform UK leading with 28% support, ahead of Labour and the Conservatives, per recent surveys. However, Advance UK’s rise could fracture this base, capitalizing on disillusionment with Farage.
Habib’s launch signals a revolt against a political class seen as out of touch. Whether Advance UK can harness populist anger remains uncertain, but its defiant call for freedom and sovereignty resonates with a restless British electorate.
This article was written by Border Hawk’s London-based contributor Preston Bates
