Green Party Unveils Controversial Immigration Policy Ahead of By-Election
In a bold move that has ignited fierce political debate, the Green Party has detailed an immigration policy that would provide illegal migrants with free housing, unrestricted access to the NHS, and a wage without any requirement to work from the moment they arrive in Britain. The proposals, outlined in internal policy documents obtained by the Mail, aim to create "a world without borders" and treat all migrants as "citizens in waiting."
Key Provisions of the Green Party's Immigration Plan
Under the leadership of Zack Polanski, the Green Party's policy would abolish immigration detention and grant a full amnesty to illegal migrants, allowing them to remain in the UK even if their asylum claims are rejected. The documents state that "migration is not a criminal offence under any circumstances," reflecting the party's vision for a borderless world.
The policy includes several specific measures:
- Illegal migrants would receive a wage equivalent to Universal Basic Income, with no obligation to work or seek employment.
- Migrant families would be accommodated in houses or flats for exclusive use, while lone men would have their own rooms in shared housing, with upgrades to private properties for those claiming LGBTQIA+ status for safeguarding purposes.
- All migrants would have free access to NHS facilities immediately upon arrival, with these rights persisting even if asylum applications are denied.
- Employment would be permitted without restrictions, and penalties for commercial carriers transporting undocumented migrants would be abolished.
- After five years in the UK, undocumented migrants would be invited to apply for settled status, paving the way for permanent residency.
Political Backlash and By-Election Context
The revelations come at a critical juncture, as voters prepare for the Gorton and Denton by-election on Thursday. A recent national poll places the Greens in second place nationally with 18% support, trailing Reform UK at 25% and ahead of Labour at 16%. This has intensified campaigning in the constituency, with Green candidate Hannah Spencer accusing Labour of using "racist dogwhistles" in their tactics.
Reform UK's home office spokesman, Zia Yusuf, condemned the Green Party's plans as "dangerous" and "financially reckless." He argued that the policies would welcome criminals to British shores while entitling them to free housing and healthcare. Similarly, a Labour source criticized the proposals, emphasizing that the public expects fair and enforced immigration controls rather than an open-borders approach.
Additional Policy Controversies
The immigration plan is part of a broader set of contentious policies from the Green Party. Last week, it was revealed that the party supports legalizing all drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin, claiming they "enhance human relationships and human creativity." The Greens also propose decriminalizing sex work and ending restrictions on sexually explicit material, except where child protection is concerned.
Furthermore, the policy extends voting rights to foreign students and visa holders (excluding visitors) in all elections and referendums. It also allows visa residents to bring family members to the UK, provided they would normally live together in their country of origin.
Green Party's Defense and Public Reception
A Green Party spokesman defended the immigration policy, stating that it was voted on and decided by party members and remains popular in polls and on the doorstep in Gorton and Denton. The spokesman noted that while the proposals differ from the costed 2024 manifesto, they represent a long-standing aim of the party.
As the by-election approaches, the Green Party's immigration stance has become a focal point of political discourse, with implications for voter sentiment and the broader national debate on migration and border control.
