Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s new home affairs spokesman, unveils bold proposals to halt small boat crossings in the Channel, dismantle knife crime gangs, and combat Islamist extremism during a speech to supporters in Dover, Kent.
Immigration as National Security Crisis
Yusuf describes immigration as a “national security emergency,” accusing both major parties of ignoring the erosion of societal foundations. At the core of his plan lies a new UK Deportation Command, modeled after America’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), capable of detaining 24,000 illegal migrants simultaneously and processing nearly 300,000 removals annually.
Former military sites would convert into temporary detention centers, becoming operational for 24,000 detainees within 18 months at a cost of £2.5 billion. The initiative calls for up to five daily deportation flights.
“As a result of our mass deportation programme, a Reform government will deliver net negative immigration,” Yusuf states.
Additional measures include eliminating Indefinite Leave to Remain status, restricting welfare benefits for foreign nationals, and suspending visas to countries refusing to repatriate their citizens.
Countering Extremism and Protecting Culture
To address extremism, the proposals advocate outlawing the Muslim Brotherhood and reforming the Prevent counter-terror program to target genuine threats. Yusuf pledges to safeguard Britain’s Christian heritage and prevent churches from converting into mosques.
Revamping Law Enforcement
On policing, Yusuf demands officers cease creating TikTok videos and using Pride-themed vehicles, redirecting efforts toward offender arrests. Enhanced stop-and-search laws and intensive neighborhood patrols aim to curb the knife crime surge. He also commits to constructing prisons at the fastest pace in modern history.
Targeted Visa Bans
Countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Syria face visa restrictions unless they cooperate on deportations. Official data highlights Pakistani nationals among top visa overstayers. Yusuf criticizes current efforts for targeting only a few African nations responsible for minimal illegal migration, proposing instead nations such as Pakistan, Somalia, Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sudan.
Ahead of the speech, Yusuf affirms: “As home secretary I will use every instrument of state to deport all illegal migrants in Britain, including visa bans on countries that refuse to take back their illegals. Further countries will be announced soon. Reform will do what it takes to finally secure our borders, uphold the rule of law and put the British people first.”
Labour counters that Britain remains a “proud, tolerant and diverse nation,” rejecting Reform’s approach as divisive politics.
