Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, pledged on Saturday to abolish a tax applied to members of the armed forces reserves during a rally in Plymouth. The announcement formed a prominent part of his address to supporters at the event.
A large group of protesters gathered outside the venue as the rally took place. Organisers and police arrangements at the site were visible, and attendees on both sides of the demonstrations were present, though details of any disturbances were not reported.
Armed forces reservists are part-time personnel who supplement the regular armed forces, and taxation of reserve pay has been a subject of public and parliamentary discussion in the UK in recent years. Farage's pledge positions the issue as part of Reform UK's platform at the rally.
The promise from Farage is likely to draw attention from political opponents and veterans' groups as the party highlights its stance on defence and pay for service personnel. Further details on how and when any proposed change would be implemented were not provided at the rally.
The Plymouth event continued a series of appearances by Reform UK in which leaders set out policy priorities and sought to mobilise support, while also encountering organised protest outside several meetings.