I live in Singapore – Nigel Farage should use it as a model for reformed UK

OPINION

Under Farage, Britain could finally become Singapore-on-Thames. The post-Brexit goal of Britain transforming into such a place was always somewhat misstated. Brexiteer champions of the model selectively picked out Singapore's low taxes and pro-business culture as aspirations for the UK.

But living in the city state I can confidently say Singapore is so much more than these. It is clean, safe, well-integrated, and slick. Its economic model is extremely business friendly, but the government also has a significant role in key economic sectors. If this sounds familiar, it is also remarkably close to what Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has articulated as his vision for Britain. Note the recent goal of saving UK steel.

Singapore's model also includes time-limited work permits and selective granting of permanent residency, something Farage has also alluded to for a reformed UK.

Indeed, Farage's deputy, Richard Tice – who has recently spent time in Dubai, where his partner relocated to – has also championed the latter's zero tolerance of crime and integration efforts as models for a Reform-led Britain.

Living in Singapore, one quickly realises how badly the UK has been governed, from its tolerance of crime and anti-social behaviour, to its open borders and poor integration efforts.

These were choices made by useless politicians and successive crappy governments. Farage has a chance to break this cycle of failure and has a ready-made model to cite in Singapore.

True, a Southeast Asian city state model cannot be neatly copied and pasted on to a country of 68 million people. But much can still be learned and applied.

The UK's labour market needs can easily be met through work permits. Nationhood can be championed in schools. Crime does not have to be tolerated. Government can control strategic sectors and manage the country's money for future generations.

Frankly the UK is in the last-chance saloon, both economically and socially. Reform also knows politics is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring another four years of momentum to ensure it can form the next government.

Reform's ideas will be greatly scrutinised as well as its future record in local government. But presenting real-world success stories as models to follow – like Singapore – will give credibility to the insurgent party's plans.

This is especially so as Reform UK moves beyond Thatcherism redux to a new model of economics, occupying a unique space in the political landscape as it wins votes from both Labour and the Tories.

Singapore-on-Thames can be a model for Farage. Not just for its low taxes but for its entire social model. Super safe and with a metro system which makes the Tube look prehistoric, the Singapore model is the template Reform could use for a new and revitalised UK.