Reform UK has pledged to prioritise the establishment of a new agency aimed at the swift deportation of illegal migrants. In a recent address, the party’s home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, outlined ambitious plans to create a UK Deportation Command, which would oversee Operation Restoring Justice. The initiative promises to detain up to 24,000 illegal migrants and facilitate five deportation flights daily.
A New Approach to Immigration Control
Speaking at a press conference in Dover alongside party leader Nigel Farage, Yusuf characterised the influx of nearly 200,000 migrants via small boats in the last eight years as an “invasion.” He asserted that public patience has worn thin, necessitating immediate and robust action.
“A Reform government will launch an emergency programme to track down, detain, and deport all illegal migrants in the UK,” Yusuf declared. He highlighted plans for mass deportations using chartered flights, ensuring that RAF planes would be on standby to manage any potential delays.
Financial Viability and Diplomatic Leverage
Yusuf disclosed that the proposed deportation programme is estimated to cost £2 billion annually, a figure he argues is minimal compared to the £15 billion spent on universal credit payments over the past 18 months. He insisted that the programme would be financially self-sustaining, given the current costs associated with accommodating illegal migrants.
Addressing the challenges posed by countries, particularly Pakistan, that refuse to accept deported citizens, Yusuf proposed a strategy of denying visa rights to compel cooperation. He pointed out that Pakistan has the highest overstay rates of any country, which he believes justifies the need for reciprocal arrangements in visa issuance.
Cultural Protection and Legislation
In addition to immigration reforms, Yusuf stressed the need to safeguard British culture. He proposed legislation to prevent the conversion of churches into mosques or places of worship for other faiths, underscoring a commitment to protecting traditional British values.
Furthermore, he expressed support for a ban on face coverings in public, including the burka, advocating that such measures would enhance integration and public safety. This marks a notable shift from his previous stance, where he had dismissed the question of a burka ban as “dumb.”
Political Reactions and Context
The Labour government has also announced measures aimed at tightening asylum claims from individuals who entered the UK on student visas. In contrast, Yusuf contended that the current approach fails to address the root causes of illegal migration, asserting that a concerted effort is necessary to restore public confidence in the immigration system.
Labour MP Catherine Atkinson defended her party’s actions, arguing that they are already seeing positive results in managing asylum claims and reducing backlogs. Conservative MP Andrew Bowie echoed the sentiments of Reform UK, acknowledging the need for more decisive action on immigration.
Why it Matters
Reform UK’s bold immigration strategy reflects growing public frustration over the perceived inadequacies of existing policies. With a significant portion of the electorate concerned about illegal migration, the party’s proposals may resonate with voters seeking stricter controls and a return to traditional British values. The success of these plans could reshape the political landscape, influencing the broader immigration debate in the UK and potentially setting the tone for future government policies.
