Nigel Farage’s party, Reform UK, is under fire for revealing controversial proposals to establish large detention centers in constituencies that do not support their party. The Home Affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, sparked outrage by announcing intentions to detain tens of thousands of migrants in areas controlled by parties other than Reform. He stated that no constituencies represented by a Reform MP or under Reform council control would host a detention facility.

Yusuf pledged to target regions where the Green Party holds power for the implementation of their mass deportation strategies, citing the Green Party’s perceived stance on “open borders.” Opposition figures, including Labour’s Anna Turley and the Greens, condemned the plans as “grotesque” and “abhorrent,” with a former senior Tory minister expressing concerns about potential misuse of ministerial authority for political gain.

Critics also raised apprehensions about the suitability of chosen locations based on political motives, highlighting that targeting Green areas could result in the establishment of detention centers in urban or densely populated cities where the Green Party enjoys significant support. Yusuf showcased the plans in a promotional video filmed in Brighton, which he suggested could be a potential location considered by Reform.

Reform’s controversial proposals were unveiled on the eve of local elections in various parts of England, Scotland, and Wales, where parties like Reform and the Greens are expected to gain ground, while Labour faces anticipated losses. Labour’s Turley criticized the policy as a blatant disregard for democratic principles and accused Farage of prioritizing division over national service.

In response to the backlash, Labour peer George Foulkes characterized the threat from Reform as astonishing, while a Green Party spokesperson labeled the plans as “disgusting,” accusing Reform of attempting to divert attention from their other policy agendas. Former Tory MP Simon Clarke denounced the plans as reprehensible, emphasizing the potential misuse of detention center locations for political retribution.

Yusuf defended the policy, asserting that under a Reform government, no migrant detention centers would be established in constituencies with a Reform MP or council control. He clarified that Green-controlled areas would be given priority for hosting detention centers, emphasizing the alignment of the policy with democratic consent and targeting constituencies where the Green Party advocates for open borders.