Farage Unveils 'Stop the Boats' Plan, Challenges Opponent to Election
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage detailed a comprehensive strategy to curb illegal immigration, including domestic deterrents and international agreements, and dared rival Andy Burnham to call a general election.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has presented a detailed plan aimed at halting illegal migrant crossings into Britain, a strategy he frames as essential to national security and public finances. The announcement includes a challenge to Andy Burnham, whom Farage labels "Open Borders Burnham," to call a general election to let voters decide on immigration policy.
Farage described the ongoing migrant arrivals as an "invasion," citing a significant increase in Channel crossings since 2018. He noted that in 2022, 45,774 migrants arrived by boat, a stark rise from 1,800 in 2019. By his count, over 200,000 migrants have crossed the Channel in total. Farage criticized both the Conservative and Labour parties for their handling of the issue, stating that neither has implemented the necessary measures to stop the crossings.
Reform UK's Immigration Strategy
At the heart of Farage's plan is "Operation Fortress," which proposes deploying the Royal Navy in the Channel. This initiative has reportedly received endorsement from retired naval Commander Chris Grace and former Merchant Navy marine engineer John Cail. Additionally, Farage announced a "Memorandum of Understanding" with Jordan Bardella, a leading figure in French politics, aimed at facilitating the return of boat migrants to France.
Domestically, Reform UK plans to implement "Operation Restoring Justice." This would involve restricting access to key benefits, including Universal Credit, housing benefit, and free childcare, to British citizens only. The party also proposes making company bosses personally and criminally liable for employing illegal workers, a policy Farage dubbed "Deliveroo Law." Local councils would be empowered to conduct immigration checks during premises inspections. The use of hotels for migrants would also be ended.
Farage stated that Reform UK would close all "resettlement" schemes and revoke the right to remain for those arriving through routes he claims Labour plans to reopen, leading to deportation. To achieve these objectives, he outlined the need to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, repeal the Human Rights Act, pass an "Illegal Migration (Mass Deportations) Bill," and disapply the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Furthermore, Farage indicated that countries refusing to accept the return of their nationals would face visa bans or tariffs. In severe cases, third-country deals would be utilized for deportation. Reform UK also pledges to publish data on the nationalities of criminal offenders.
Farage concluded by asserting that Reform UK has developed the most comprehensive and realistic plan to end illegal migration and secure borders, urging a general election to settle the matter.
