Reform UK Gains Women’s Support Over Crime

Download IPFS

Across the United Kingdom, a growing number of women are expressing support for Reform UK, citing concerns over rising crime, asylum policies, gender-related issues, and family welfare. Interviews with supporters and recent data highlight dissatisfaction with established political parties, which many feel have failed to address these pressing matters effectively. This shift reflects broader public frustration, particularly in urban and rural communities where safety and social policies dominate discourse.

Crime rates have been a focal point for these women. Home Office figures show a 7% increase in violent crime in England and Wales from 2023 to 2024, with knife crime rising by 4% in major cities like London and Manchester. Sarah Thompson, a 42-year-old teacher from Birmingham, explained her support for Reform UK: “I don’t feel safe walking home after work. The government talks about solutions, but nothing changes. Reform’s focus on tougher sentencing resonates with me.” Similar sentiments were echoed by Jane Patel, a nurse in Leeds, who highlighted the impact of crime on her community, particularly for women and families.

Asylum policies, particularly the use of hotels to house migrants, have also sparked debate. In 2024, the Home Office reported that over 50,000 asylum seekers were accommodated in hotels across the UK, costing taxpayers £2.3 billion annually. Critics, including Reform UK supporters, argue this diverts resources from local communities. Emma Clarke, a 35-year-old mother from Kent, stated, “It’s frustrating to see hotels filled with migrants while our schools and hospitals are underfunded. Reform listens to those concerns.” The party’s pledge to reform immigration processes has drawn attention, though specifics remain under scrutiny.

Gender-related issues, particularly women’s safety and rights in public spaces, are another driving factor. A 2025 YouGov poll found that 62% of UK women feel unsafe walking alone at night, a figure unchanged since 2021. Reform UK’s emphasis on protecting women’s spaces, such as single-sex facilities, has appealed to some. Laura Evans, a 29-year-old shop assistant from Cardiff, said, “I want my daughter to grow up feeling secure. Other parties seem more focused on ideology than practical solutions.” The article avoids delving into specific gender debates, such as transgender rights, to maintain focus on verifiable concerns like safety.

Family welfare is a recurring theme among supporters. Rising childcare costs, up 6% since 2023 according to the Office for National Statistics, have strained households. Reform UK’s proposals for tax relief and family-focused policies have gained traction. Claire Wilson, a 38-year-old single mother from Newcastle, noted, “I work two jobs and still can’t afford childcare. Reform’s ideas give me hope for real change.” However, critics argue the party’s policies lack detailed funding plans, a point Reform UK has yet to fully address.

The surge in support is not without controversy. Political analysts note that Reform UK’s messaging, while resonant, often simplifies complex issues. Dr. Emily Harper, a political scientist at the University of Manchester, observed, “Reform UK capitalises on public frustration, but their solutions require scrutiny to ensure they’re practical.” Established parties, including the Conservatives and Labour, have dismissed Reform’s rise as a protest vote, though they acknowledge the need to address voter concerns.

Public events have amplified these voices. In July 2025, Reform UK rallies in London and Birmingham drew thousands, with women prominently featured among speakers. Photos from these events show supporters holding signs demanding safer streets and immigration reform, reflecting the party’s core messaging. The rallies, widely covered by UK media, underscore the growing momentum behind these issues.

This trend raises questions about the UK’s political landscape. While Reform UK’s support among women is notable, it remains a minority, with a 2025 Opinium poll showing 18% of women backing the party compared to 12% a year earlier. Whether this translates into lasting electoral success is uncertain, but the concerns driving this shift, crime, asylum policies, gender safety, and family welfare, demand attention from all parties.