Nigel Farage has unveiled a hardline immigration policy proposing the mass deportation of asylum seekers if Reform UK enters government. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Reform leader described irregular migration as an “invasion” and a “scourge”, warning that the UK is “not far away from major civil disorder”. The plan marks a shift for Farage, who has previously been cautious about using far-right rhetoric.
The proposal, costed by Reform at £10bn, was met with scepticism from experts. The Centre for Migration Control estimated a near-identical plan would cost £47.5bn, but Farage dismissed the discrepancy, saying his colleague Zia Yusuf “is really good at maths”. Polling expert Joe Twyman of Deltapoll suggested Farage is aiming for “the vibes” rather than policy detail, tapping into a minority that endorses strong anti-immigration views.
Political reactions were muted. Downing Street acknowledged public concerns over illegal migration but focused on its own “practical actions”. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused Farage of “reheating and recycling plans that the Conservatives have already announced”. Sunder Katwala of British Future noted that while Farage’s core vote is about a fifth to a quarter of the public, most voters fall between “control and compassion”.
Katwala warned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer risks alienating both sides if he remains on the fence. “If Labour is completely on the fence, it risks not keeping either side happy,” he said. Meanwhile, Farage’s strategy appears to be a gamble on whether the public will prioritise entry method over asylum claim validity.
