Hard-right Reform party pledges to suspend UK asylum system for up to five years if elected
Reform has accused Labour of having "totally lost control" of the UK's borders, whilst Labour says small boat crossing figures have continued to come down in recent years.
Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has pledged to suspend the UK's asylum system for up to five years if his party wins the next election. This announcement was made at a press conference in Kent, where Farage criticized the government's handling of small boat crossings from mainland Europe. He argued that the current system leaves the country in a "terrible mess" with no clear understanding of who is in the country, and that the risk of illegal immigration is too great.
Farage emphasized the party's commitment to prioritizing national security, detaining and deporting illegal immigrants, and ending small boat crossings within the first 100 days of government. Crossings have become a contentious issue in British politics, with Reform accusing Labour of losing control of the borders, while Labour claims figures have decreased in recent years.
The Home Office reported 1,066 migrants arrived in the UK on 15 boats since October 5, 2024, and stated that progress is being made in tackling the issue. Farage also touched on the UK's Brexit vote, blaming both the Conservative and Labour governments for betraying British voters' hopes for control over their borders.
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