A surge of national sentiment resonated through the heart of Westminster on February 7, 2026, as AdvanceUK held its inaugural conference. Over a thousand supporters gathered near the Palace of Westminster, eager to hear the party’s vision for a renewed Britain – a vision that tapped into a growing desire for a stronger national identity.
Leading the charge is Ben Habib, a 60-year-old property developer with a compelling personal story. Born in Pakistan to a Pakistani father and English mother, he arrived in the UK as a child and forged a successful career, becoming a prominent voice during the Brexit campaign and later co-deputy leader of Reform UK.
Driven by a belief in greater democratic participation, Habib departed Reform UK in 2025 to establish AdvanceUK. He envisioned a “people’s party” dedicated to reclaiming British sovereignty from international bodies and restoring a sense of national purpose.
At the conference, Habib unveiled a platform centered on a return to core British values. This included proposals to reaffirm the nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage through parliamentary oaths, prioritizing the English language in public life, and honoring Christian traditions.
The party’s proposals extended to a firm stance on cultural integration, advocating for assimilation rather than multiculturalism. Policies included a ban on Sharia courts, public calls to prayer, face coverings, and first-cousin marriages – measures intended to foster a unified national identity.
Beyond cultural matters, AdvanceUK outlined plans to strengthen families and rural communities. Proposals included abolishing inheritance tax to protect wealth and farmland, easing regulations on rural businesses, and ending dual nationality to reinforce national allegiance.
Perhaps the most ambitious plan, dubbed “Operation Restoring Justice,” focused on immigration. It proposed halting all new asylum applications, cancelling recent approvals, and severely restricting work visas to a select group of “trusted” nations.
The immigration plan envisioned swift deportations for those who overstayed their visas or committed crimes, backed by dedicated enforcement teams and even Royal Navy patrols. Access to welfare and housing would be denied to foreign nationals, with incentives offered for voluntary departure.
The conference wasn’t solely focused on policy; it was a gathering of voices concerned about the direction of the nation. Speakers addressed themes of moral decline, the importance of traditional family structures, and the preservation of free speech.
Kathy Gyngell, editor of The Conservative Woman, passionately argued for the vital role of marriage and traditional values in national renewal. Professor Norman Fenton challenged the prevailing culture within universities, advocating for a return to merit and intellectual honesty.
Former Royal Marine Richard Thomson delivered a stirring call for the protection of free speech and individual empowerment. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of purpose, attendees describing the proposals as a bold step towards a revitalized Britain.
AdvanceUK’s emergence echoes similar debates unfolding across the Atlantic, particularly in the United States, concerning borders, national heritage, and self-determination. The party’s emphasis on Judeo-Christian values and its critique of perceived Islamic influence are attracting voters disillusioned with the established political order.
As the UK continues to navigate the complexities of a post-Brexit world, AdvanceUK presents a distinct and determined voice, offering a vision of a united and proud nation – a vision that is rapidly gaining traction among those who feel left behind by mainstream politics.
The party’s launch signals a potential shift in the right-wing landscape, offering an alternative for voters seeking a more assertive defense of British identity and values.
