Brexiteers were always fond of the UK becoming ‘Singapore on Thames’. But – beyond extremely vague ideas about taxing less and being business friendly – what exactly does this mean? And, crucially, what could the most pro-Brexit party, Reform UK, learn from Singapore? Much was made recently of Reform warning it would need to cut spending before slashing taxes. This spoke to a realisation of how bad Britain’s finances are, and how expensive its welfare and healthcare budgets have become.

Singapore is less about the ‘safety net’ and more the ‘trampoline’, getting people to bounce back rather than languish on benefits. Unlike the UK, Singapore forces its people to save for their own retirement, housing needs and illnesses, with employers chipping in and the government contributing where needed. Singapore’s Central Provident Fund is based on personal contributions of 20%, topped up by employers, loved ones and the Government.

Reform could look to the CPF as a revolutionary model to protect the UK from bankruptcy through welfare. Unlike the UK meanwhile, Singapore has two sovereign wealth funds to manage the nation’s cash.

CPF monies are invested by the CPF Board (CPFB) in Special Singapore Government Securities (SSGS). The proceeds are pooled with the rest of government’s funds and invested by the one of these funds, GIC.

No wonder Singapore is loved by global finance as a model for responsibility. No Truss-style bond market crashes here.

The great thing about using Singapore as a model is Reform can point to something – in the Commonwealth no less – which works.

True, Singapore is far smaller than Britain but that doesn’t mean the Southeast Asian city state cannot be used as inspiration.

Like the UK, Singapore is an island. How come then Singapore doesn’t get mass illegal immigration from nearby poor Indonesia?

Could it be that, unlike the UK, Singapore actually controls its borders, and strictly enforces its laws without an army of human rights lawyers working against the national interest?

Speaking of laws, Singaporeans and foreigners alike know the law means the law. No stealing phones here!

Okay, part of this has to do with the East Asian communitarian model as seen in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

But the fact the law is actually enforced – and the borders actually policed – makes all the difference. Oh, and permanent residency isn’t just handed out like confetti here either.

If Reform wants proven policies which work, look no further than Singapore. If any wishy washy critic says it cannot be done then simply point to this Commonwealth nation.

Strong borders, virtually no street crime – plus a compulsory savings system which not only ensures the country doesn’t go bust, but encourages its citizens to exercise personal respnsibility – Singapore on Thames could be more than a slogan for Reform.

Singapore is the model which Britain could replicate.