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Reform wants women barefoot and pregnant

829 replies

Sweetiedarling7 · 14/02/2026 07:57

Reform candidate Matt Goodwin wants women to have children early in life and introduce extra taxes as punishment for anyone who chooses not to have children.

Misogyny in plain sight.

How long till they ban abortion too?

Women voting Reform may want to consider if they are turkeys voting for christmas.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
29
HangingOutAtTheRialto · 15/02/2026 10:42

RichardOnslowRoper · 15/02/2026 10:39

You don"t deserve to be taxed extra even if you didn't want children at all.
However Reform's manifesto is very bare bones and I can't find any reference to this. I think they are making it up as they go along.

They are and it works very well for them.

Allisnotlost1 · 15/02/2026 10:52

PeachOctopus · 14/02/2026 09:05

I think extra taxes on single people would perhaps be fair enough as they don’t have the huge financial burden of having children and a small extra tax might offset that.
We should prioritise children and old people first as a society as they are the most vulnerable.

Safe to assume you’re also happy with non-disabled people paying more tax and disabled people getting tax breaks then? Young adults paying more to subside care of the elderly?

DeLaLune2022 · 15/02/2026 11:17

SusanChurchouse · 14/02/2026 09:32

I almost posted something similar. They want men to be able to build careers and wealth in their 20s and 30s (helped by having fewer women in the workforce) then marry women 20 years their junior who will provide them with children. And bonus, be young enough to care for them in their later years.

Exactly, and if these ungrateful young women reject this great offer, why not reintroduce forced marriages?

Pineneedlesincarpet · 15/02/2026 11:30

NeverDropYourMooncup · 15/02/2026 09:08

They also wanted to escape the prison of being married at 22-24 to provide multiple children to a much older man with no rights over her body, no power to choose to not get pregnant, no ability to safely end a pregnancy they didn't want or was going to end in fetal death, severe disability or harm/kill her, because that was the only way to avoid destitution or social disapproval, censure or financial penalties.

It wasn't just to vote. It was to have agency over their own lives, to earn as equals, to have the right not to be beaten, not to be raped, to own their own property, make their own medical and reproductive choices, to exist as valued, independent and sentient humans instead of being controlled by men.

Yes but I wouldn't use that hard won vote to vote for a left wing party. And luckily for me they made sure I had freedom of choice to do so (or not to do so!).

Pineneedlesincarpet · 15/02/2026 11:33

pointythings · 14/02/2026 22:09

Evidence of harmful impact?

It would probably be too late when you found out a the firewoman was unable to bear your weight.

I'm against any discrimination for women unless it's physical and then it has to be for practical reasons. Then it's just logical.

Pineneedlesincarpet · 15/02/2026 11:38

jasflowers · 15/02/2026 06:39

The proposal, from Matt Goodwin, is to tax people who don't have children more, than those that do have them.
He called it a "negative tax"

He is their chosen candidate for the Denton By-election, i assume Reform have approved his views?

Then there is the practicalities, at what age would these taxes kick in? would the tax encourage people where one partner is infertile, to split and seek someone out who is?
Would there be a industry selling kits to test fertility before marriage? or maybe fertility status would be on a Tinder profile?

There is a growing movement, from the 'right, to treat women like cattle, especially among men.

I thought we already knew that it isnt Reform policy?

surrealpotato · 15/02/2026 11:41

One person's 'misogyny' is another person's pro-family.

Imdunfer · 15/02/2026 11:45

Allisnotlost1 · 15/02/2026 10:09

I don’t think anyone has said that though.

I’m interested in whether anyone pointing out that Goodwin isn’t describing Reform policy will share their views on Reform’s actual policy of helping British people have more children.

I don’t think anyone has said that though. (That this is reform policy.)

I don't think you're reading the same thread I am. 🤣😂🤣

The whole thread starting with the title is based on the premise that what Matt Goodwin said is Reform Policy.

ObsessiveGoogler · 15/02/2026 11:46

PeachOctopus · 14/02/2026 09:05

I think extra taxes on single people would perhaps be fair enough as they don’t have the huge financial burden of having children and a small extra tax might offset that.
We should prioritise children and old people first as a society as they are the most vulnerable.

We need to dispel the myth that older people are a financially vulnerable demographic - they haven't been for some time (and I say this as someone in my 60s). The reason they are so protected is that they are a large demographic who votes, so all political parties are afraid to upset them. Overall poverty rates for children, working-age adults and pensioners | Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Overall poverty rates for children, working-age adults and pensioners

Our latest data charts show clear differences in poverty rates across age groups, with children and people in lone-parent families at highest risk.

https://www.jrf.org.uk/uk-poverty-statistics/overall-poverty-rates-for-children-working-age-adults-and-pensioners

WaryCrow · 15/02/2026 11:58

theprincessthepea · 14/02/2026 18:37

I think it’s ridiculous that once again we have men trying to control our reproductive rights.

I think the issue isn’t having babies, the issue is the broken system that doesn’t even allow people in their 20s to live independently comfortably. Can they fix that please before giving us reasons why we should have kids younger.

I had a kid in my 20s and 30s - and although the economy wasn’t amazing in my 20s I had the amazing sure start, and when my baby was 3, I found an office job and worked my way up. But I didn’t feel doom and gloom about the future because there was a clear pathway.

So it’s got nothing to do with when we have babies, that’s a personal choice, and some of us choose to keep unplanned pregnancies, so sometimes it’s a forced decision. But it’s about who can fix the economy so that there is hope for young people - childfree or not, and making this country a livable place again.

Most sensible comment on the last few pages. It’s all about men dreaming themselves as slave owners and men seeking control. Otherwise they could actually come up with some solutions to the fact that we are all working g harder than ever for nothing.

The economy is not working. The male answer is always to stab women in the back, remove them from the workforce, put out lying propaganda to claim that women were never in it. Most recently they did this en masse at the end of WW2.

Men are not to be trusted. And that alone makes some of us with them wish we’d never had kids, and puts other women off giving up their lives for this half of the species.

Allisnotlost1 · 15/02/2026 11:59

Imdunfer · 15/02/2026 11:45

I don’t think anyone has said that though. (That this is reform policy.)

I don't think you're reading the same thread I am. 🤣😂🤣

The whole thread starting with the title is based on the premise that what Matt Goodwin said is Reform Policy.

I don’t interpret it that way, the OP is saying the thrust of these comments leads her to that conclusion. Others have said they don’t, because it’s not policy.

Both valid.

Most of the thread has been discussion of the merits of these policies or the validity of the person saying them. They do align with the party’s overarching policy, so it’s been a reasonable discussion.

So what is your view on the written Reform policy? Because it will have to be enacted somehow, and most countries that have tried to influence the birth rate have done so via the taxation system.

rainingsnoring · 15/02/2026 12:04

ObsessiveGoogler · 15/02/2026 11:46

We need to dispel the myth that older people are a financially vulnerable demographic - they haven't been for some time (and I say this as someone in my 60s). The reason they are so protected is that they are a large demographic who votes, so all political parties are afraid to upset them. Overall poverty rates for children, working-age adults and pensioners | Joseph Rowntree Foundation

This is a useful representation of how much pensioner poverty has fallen. The other groups, not so much. I'm sure pensioner poverty was even worse prior to the 1990s. Despite all the improvement, and relative poverty of other groups, policy still directs financial flows from young to old, rather than adapting to the changes in circumstance. As you say, it's based on the fact that they are a large group of voters rather than need or fairness.

Imdunfer · 15/02/2026 12:21

Allisnotlost1 · 15/02/2026 11:59

I don’t interpret it that way, the OP is saying the thrust of these comments leads her to that conclusion. Others have said they don’t, because it’s not policy.

Both valid.

Most of the thread has been discussion of the merits of these policies or the validity of the person saying them. They do align with the party’s overarching policy, so it’s been a reasonable discussion.

So what is your view on the written Reform policy? Because it will have to be enacted somehow, and most countries that have tried to influence the birth rate have done so via the taxation system.

Have you read the title?

I am against encouraging British women to have more children with the aim of preventing immigration for several key reasons. The first is that the world eventually has to learn to share its wealth equally among its nations and properly controlled immigration so as not to disadvantage each nation's own people is a very good way of doing that. (Stealing poor nations' doctors is not. Taking someone as a lower skilled care worker and upskilling them into a nurse or therapist is.)

Secondly, it's cheaper to take in an adult than it is to raise a child, so it's potentially to the benefit of over-populated poor countries without work for people to do and the wealthier country for that exchange to take place.

Thirdly, the more room we have available to give help to those escaping war and tyranny, the better.

There's no doubt Reform's policy will be intended to reduce the further dilution of British culture. But as long as women actually want more children, and many on this forum and elsewhere say that they do but cant afford them, I don't think that policy would be as evil as many people on this thread are suggesting.

As a woman who is childless by choice I'm conflicted, in an over populated world, about paying higher taxes to enable British and NI women to have more children while there are adults desperate to live in this country who are refused.

Velentia · 15/02/2026 12:25

Dropping weight carrying requirement for fire fighters to enable the recruitment of more women.
The Army trialled a fitness test for specific jobs. Some artillery shells for instance are very heavy and must be handled manually at times. If you are not strong enough you don't do that particular job.
I think it was adopted.

StandFirm · 15/02/2026 12:26

Stop it with the gaslighting.

The agenda is clear: Reform is a regressive reactionary party. They want women to be subservient. They're anti-feminist. They do not want equality. They're following a script written for them by alt right think tanks in the US. They're backed by the current US administration which has no issues making that fact pretty fucking clear.

And no, Reform will not put their agenda to roll back women's rights in their manifesto, just like DJT claimed to know nothing about Project 2025 yet it's all going full steam ahead.

There's no reasoning with people like that. Only resistance. Best done before they get in!

pointythings · 15/02/2026 12:35

Pineneedlesincarpet · 15/02/2026 11:33

It would probably be too late when you found out a the firewoman was unable to bear your weight.

I'm against any discrimination for women unless it's physical and then it has to be for practical reasons. Then it's just logical.

The idea that firefighting is all about carrying people around over your shoulder is a bit (being polite) antediluvian. Much like Reform's views on workers' rights, women and culture.

FussyFancyDragon · 15/02/2026 12:35

IrisPallida · 14/02/2026 09:35

Have you looked at any proper, mainstream news site whatsoever in the last week?

Oh yeah, I asked the question because I’ve read all about it.

Obviously I haven’t read whatever the post is about. I’m looking on my news homepage now and still can’t see any reference to it.

Imdunfer · 15/02/2026 12:36

StandFirm · 15/02/2026 12:26

Stop it with the gaslighting.

The agenda is clear: Reform is a regressive reactionary party. They want women to be subservient. They're anti-feminist. They do not want equality. They're following a script written for them by alt right think tanks in the US. They're backed by the current US administration which has no issues making that fact pretty fucking clear.

And no, Reform will not put their agenda to roll back women's rights in their manifesto, just like DJT claimed to know nothing about Project 2025 yet it's all going full steam ahead.

There's no reasoning with people like that. Only resistance. Best done before they get in!

I have reported your post.

I don't believe that anything I wrote justified you accusing me of gaslighting.

Gaslighting is a vile practice. I am not a snowflake with regard to name calling but I will not stand for being accused of gaslighting.

StandFirm · 15/02/2026 12:42

Imdunfer · 15/02/2026 12:36

I have reported your post.

I don't believe that anything I wrote justified you accusing me of gaslighting.

Gaslighting is a vile practice. I am not a snowflake with regard to name calling but I will not stand for being accused of gaslighting.

Report away!
That says more about your stance on freedom of speech than it does about me.

Imdunfer · 15/02/2026 12:42

pointythings · 15/02/2026 12:35

The idea that firefighting is all about carrying people around over your shoulder is a bit (being polite) antediluvian. Much like Reform's views on workers' rights, women and culture.

Nobody said it was. all about anything.

However, in a situation where strength is likely to be an asset at any time, with a ready supply of equally strong people, why would you not fill a team with people equally likely to be able to carry an unconscious adult out of a burning building?

There's is good reason why even the shooters are split into male and female competition in sport.

Imdunfer · 15/02/2026 12:43

StandFirm · 15/02/2026 12:42

Report away!
That says more about your stance on freedom of speech than it does about me.

How very ironic.

StandFirm · 15/02/2026 12:45

Imdunfer · 15/02/2026 12:43

How very ironic.

I'm afraid you don't understand the meaning of 'ironic'.
I have not insulted you. I have not even quoted you in my previous post and it's interesting that you took it so personally. I will absolutely stand for my views and express them.

Allisnotlost1 · 15/02/2026 13:20

Imdunfer · 15/02/2026 12:21

Have you read the title?

I am against encouraging British women to have more children with the aim of preventing immigration for several key reasons. The first is that the world eventually has to learn to share its wealth equally among its nations and properly controlled immigration so as not to disadvantage each nation's own people is a very good way of doing that. (Stealing poor nations' doctors is not. Taking someone as a lower skilled care worker and upskilling them into a nurse or therapist is.)

Secondly, it's cheaper to take in an adult than it is to raise a child, so it's potentially to the benefit of over-populated poor countries without work for people to do and the wealthier country for that exchange to take place.

Thirdly, the more room we have available to give help to those escaping war and tyranny, the better.

There's no doubt Reform's policy will be intended to reduce the further dilution of British culture. But as long as women actually want more children, and many on this forum and elsewhere say that they do but cant afford them, I don't think that policy would be as evil as many people on this thread are suggesting.

As a woman who is childless by choice I'm conflicted, in an over populated world, about paying higher taxes to enable British and NI women to have more children while there are adults desperate to live in this country who are refused.

I don’t know how many times I can say it. Yes, I read the title, I am able to see how it can be interpreted in more than one way.

Generally I agree with you (though I wouldn’t use the phrase ‘dilution of British culture).

The problem with Goodwin’s statements for me less about them being in policy (even if they are, who cares, Reform won’t be forming a majority government any time soon and taxation policies have been shown to be ineffective, as MG doubtless knows). But they move the Overton window, which is the aim of these manospehere talking heads, and which does have a cultural impact over time, particularly on children.

PeppyCoralTiger · 15/02/2026 13:21

jasflowers · 15/02/2026 06:39

The proposal, from Matt Goodwin, is to tax people who don't have children more, than those that do have them.
He called it a "negative tax"

He is their chosen candidate for the Denton By-election, i assume Reform have approved his views?

Then there is the practicalities, at what age would these taxes kick in? would the tax encourage people where one partner is infertile, to split and seek someone out who is?
Would there be a industry selling kits to test fertility before marriage? or maybe fertility status would be on a Tinder profile?

There is a growing movement, from the 'right, to treat women like cattle, especially among men.

Not taking tax off someone to then pay back to them as a benefit has merit.
I think Farage spoke about everyone's tax potentially starting at £20,000 but seems to have backtracked due to the state of the current economy due to Reeves' diabolicial anti-business policies.

I understand that having children is expensive and I also understand that children are our future society and taxpayers. I also understand that creating a family is something very many people wish to do. Saying that this is women being used as "cattle" is offensive and sounds akin to some of the abuse I've read from trans activists who demean women to a costume and breeding purposes (ie only seem useful for surrogacy). I note the Labour women having kittens about this (joke) are the ones that also say TWAW.

If someone decides not to have children, then other people's children will be the ones doing the jobs around them and supporting society as they age. Those children will also be the ones shaping future government policy. The world carries on whether a childless person has children or not and that childless person will benefit from other people's children (society) without having incurred the costs of raising children themselves.

There has been huge public discourse about climate change and people in the press saying their own decision not to have children was affected by worries around climate change. Public discourse has negatively affected people wishing to have larger families (even those that can afford it being described as selfish/negative to the planet etc). So there is a place for discussion about future demographics after years of the opposite being thrust upon us.

Goodwin's essay was written 18 months prior to becoming a candidate for Reform. Yes all candidates and MPs will have their own opinions, that doesn't mean it is party policy and that applies to any political party.

To extrapolate from this the concept of starting tax at £25,000 for people with children could result in women performing fertility tests is beyond daft.

All taxes may eventually shape behaviour, not FORCE behaviour. The current financial situation of houses being out of reach of young people is entirely down to government policies over the last 30 years.

From what I can see, a lot of people in their 30's would like children but are renting/feel like they can't afford to have children. This generation are also impacted by the awful unversity loan scams (Mandelson no less was driving this whole system of indebtedness for our young people). His links to financial misconduct in office might lead to some review on university debt/interest rates for students and who is really benefitting?

My children are grown and I didn't get child benefit after Cameron changed the policy of everyone with children automatically receiving it (had to be paid back via husband's tax). I don't think I've ever extrapoloated any crazy theories from that particular government policy. Labour are looking very silly and their activists are currently sounding hysterical.

NoisyViewer · 15/02/2026 14:37

Keepingthingsinteresting · 14/02/2026 22:05

But why should you have to? Why should your value be measured in how many sprogs you pop out? And what if you can’t get or stay pregnant, can’t find a decent partner, are stuck in a dead end job or have health issues or frankly just don’t want to give up your life you should be punished forever?

I truly despair, this is a waking nightmare!

Because your value is more. I’m sorry but it is. You’re providing the future workforce who will be paying your state pension, potentially your additional care. Paying for the NHS. Whilst sacrificing the freedoms you lose being a parent. By having children your are by default contributing to the future. It’s refreshing to see politicians looking past the end of their noses. Had other governments did that maybe we wouldn’t be paying ridiculous energy prices now. To cut net zero they’ve not considered long term energy supplies. Knowing that successive governments will likely take the credit for any initiatives that uou had started.

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