Palmer told the news channel: \u201cThe triple lock is an expensive way to ensure that pensioners have dignity in their retirement. There are ways that you can do that without the unpredictable ratcheting effect that the triple lock has.<\/p>\n
\u201cPensioners almost by definition are made better off in real terms than workers and that obviously is, one, unsustainable as the number of pensioners that each worker has to pay for increases, but, two, can be seen by those younger generations as somewhat unfair.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a separate media appearance, this time on a podcast hosted by the former Conservative MP Steve Baker, he argued<\/a> for the privatisation of the NHS. Asked by Baker if it was time to privatise the service, he replied: \u201cWell it\u2019s long past time, Steve.\u201d<\/p>\n He went on to add: \u201cThe reality is the NHS is a horrifically performing system. It establishes much lower cancer survival rates. It has obvious rationing \u2013 we all know that when we try and get a GP appointment or a specialist appointment. It has a pretty bad safety record \u2013 that\u2019s not for lack of spending.\u201d<\/p>\n At times his commitment to liberal economics seems to go against Reform\u2019s main policy positions. In 2020, when working in the New Zealand parliament, he argued online for the benefits of economic migration, posting<\/a>: \u201cHot take: Allowing people in from abroad who choose to come to NZ and earn *significantly* more than they would at home is not slavery. In fact, it is one of the best contributions we can make to global poverty alleviation.\u201d<\/p>\n Some of his other views include ending VAT exemptions and imposing a land tax.<\/p>\n A Reform spokesperson said: \u201cUnlike the Guardian, Robert believes in hiring smart people with whom he disagrees.\u201d<\/p>\n skip past newsletter promotion<\/a>Free newsletter | Every weekday<\/p>\n Sign up to First Edition<\/p>\n Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what\u2019s happening and why it matters<\/p>\n after newsletter promotion<\/p>\n A Labour source said: \u201cReform have long talked up selling off the NHS to the highest bidder and going after ordinary people\u2019s rights. It\u2019s no surprise they\u2019re hiring a brainchild of those types of damaging policies. Nigel Farage\u2019s party have already shown the public who they are. It\u2019s time to believe them.\u201d<\/p>\n Jenrick is bolstering his team at the same time as he is looking to stamp his authority on his party\u2019s economic agenda.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782846071_379_1000.jpg\")
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