Reform UK has proposed placing migrant detention centres in constituencies that vote for Green Party councillors or MPs, a plan that has drawn sharp criticism from rival parties. The Scottish Greens' co-leader, Ross Greer, described the proposal as 'pathetic' and 'Trumpesque', accusing Reform of threatening voters. Greer said: 'Reform are essentially saying “If you don’t vote the way we want you to, we will punish you”.'
The plan, unveiled by Nigel Farage's party, would target areas that have elected Green representatives. Critics argue it violates the principle that governments should treat all citizens equally under the law, regardless of how they vote. Fraser Nelson, a Times columnist, called it 'a new departure for UK politics: rejecting the idea of PM-for-all and instead a new partisan style'.
Gideon Rachman of the Financial Times said the policy amounts to 'trolling as public policy' and would damage Reform. He added: 'The practical and legal problems seem insuperable. No non-Reform local council would agree to it.' Sunder Katwala of British Future noted the illogical nature of the plan, suggesting that a party accused of favouring 'open borders' would not logically support detention centres.
The controversy comes as Reform Scotland's leader, Malcolm Offord, faced accusations of being 'tone deaf' after boasting about his wealth during a televised debate. Greer, campaigning in Glasgow, announced a Green commuter railcard proposal, hoping for a breakthrough in Thursday's elections.
