Reform UK will pledge to use tariffs to force countries to take back migrants in plans set to be announced tomorrow. Nigel Farage’s party had already vowed to impose visa bans on those wanting to visit Britain legally from countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Eritrea, Sudan and Somalia if they do not accept returns of illegal immigrants and foreign criminals.
But Reform is now planning to go further by also threatening sanctions such as tariffs and banning foreign airlines from using British airspace. The party highlighted Egypt as a possible target for the measures.
Farage’s warning to countries refusing returns
Reform leader Mr Farage said: “I will not tolerate countries who won’t take back illegal migrants. I’ll impose tariffs, airline bans and visa bans on any country that refuses. Only Reform will end the invasion of our country forever.”
Reform also plans to strike deals with third countries to deport those “extreme cases” where no country is willing to take them back, or it is inappropriate to return them to their home country. The party also wants to review every refugee status granted for the five years prior to a Reform government taking office.
Press conference and crossing figures
Mr Farage will announce the measures at a press conference alongside home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf on Monday.
It comes as more than 20,000 people have arrived in the UK on small boats so far this year. But crossings have fallen 41% compared to this point in 2025 and are around a fifth lower than in 2024 and 2023.
More than 211,000 migrants have made the dangerous Channel crossing since 2018, but just 9,700 had been returned as of June this year.
