Reform UK has pledged to establish a UK Deportation Command as part of its aggressive strategy to manage illegal migration, with a goal of detaining 24,000 individuals. This initiative, spearheaded by home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf, is positioned as a top priority for a potential Reform government, aiming to facilitate the deportation of those who have entered the UK unlawfully.
New Deportation Strategy Announced
In a press conference held in Dover, Yusuf outlined the party’s comprehensive plan under the banner of “Operation Restoring Justice”. The proposed agency would be tasked with the systematic identification, detention, and expulsion of illegal migrants, with plans to operate five chartered flights daily for deportations. Yusuf asserted that an RAF aircraft would be on standby to ensure that these deportations are executed without delay.
The Reform UK spokesman likened the recent influx of nearly 200,000 migrants arriving by small boat in the past eight years to an “invasion,” claiming this surpasses the numbers seen during the D-Day landings in World War II. “A Reform government will launch an emergency programme to track down, detain, and deport all illegal migrants in the UK,” he stated emphatically.
Financial Viability and Visa Restrictions
Yusuf revealed that the estimated annual cost for this migration initiative would be around £2 billion, which he argues is a fraction of the expenses incurred from accommodating illegal migrants. He stated, “It’s going to pay for itself many, many times over.” Furthermore, he indicated that Reform UK’s approach would include leveraging visa policies to compel countries like Pakistan to accept the return of their nationals who have overstayed their visas.
Pakistan, noted for its high overstay rates, has reportedly resisted the repatriation of its citizens. Yusuf proposed that the UK should link visa issuance to the acceptance of deportees, framing it as a reasonable expectation in exchange for entry rights.
Cultural Protection and Face Covering Ban
In addition to stringent immigration measures, Yusuf introduced plans aimed at preserving British cultural identity. He argued for new regulations to prevent conversions of churches into mosques or places of worship for other faiths. This component of the agenda reflects a broader concern for cultural integrity that the party believes is at risk.
Moreover, Yusuf expressed his support for a ban on all face coverings in public spaces, including the burka. He described this as a measure that would not only promote integration but also enhance public safety, marking a notable shift from his previous stance.
Welfare Prioritisation for British Citizens
Addressing welfare reform, Yusuf reiterated the need to prioritise British citizens in welfare programmes, citing the considerable £15 billion spent on universal credit over the past 18 months. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that resources are directed first and foremost to the UK population, a sentiment that resonates with a growing call for a more nationalistic approach to governance.
Labour MP Catherine Atkinson defended her party’s policies during a BBC segment, arguing that the current government is already making strides in addressing the backlog of asylum claims and recouping funds from asylum hotel contracts. Conservative MP Andrew Bowie echoed the need for decisive action on immigration, aligning with Yusuf’s sentiments.
Why it Matters
The ambitious deportation plan proposed by Reform UK reflects a significant shift in the political landscape surrounding immigration policy in the UK. As public sentiment grows increasingly frustrated with current migration trends, the party’s hardline approach may resonate with voters seeking a more robust response to illegal immigration. If implemented, these measures could redefine the UK’s immigration framework and alter the relationship between the government and its citizenry on issues of national identity and security.
