Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, has faced widespread criticism for labeling former Conservative defense secretary Ben Wallace a "traitor to Britain." The remarks came after Wallace questioned Reform UK's plan to deport foreign criminals.
At a press conference on Monday, Yusuf outlined Reform UK's policy to deport all 10,000 foreign nationals from UK jails, proposing to send them to third countries like El Salvador if their home nations refuse to accept them. Wallace, who served as a British Army officer before entering politics, challenged the feasibility of forcing other countries to accept these individuals.
In a heated response on social media, Yusuf called Wallace a "moron" and a "traitor," stating that his policy was a direct response to "government failures." Yusuf claimed that if home countries do not take back their citizens, "renting spaces in countries like El Salvador" would be used to house them, where they would serve their full sentences and be banned from returning to Britain. Yusuf also suggested that this policy would address the issue of Afghan nationals imported into the UK without proper vetting, some of whom he alleged were "Taliban fighters."
Wallace responded by questioning Yusuf's authority on defense matters, noting that Yusuf had never served in the military. "A lesson from a man who never put a uniform on... just worked at bank. A man who is literally making policy and facts up," Wallace wrote.
Tim Montgomerie, a political commentator and Reform UK member, described Yusuf's language as "unacceptable" and "intemperate," adding that such "language and attitude towards any opponent is inappropriate and counter-productive." Montgomerie suggested that Reform leader Nigel Farage needed to "bring Zia under control."
Speaking to Times Radio, Wallace called for an apology from Yusuf, characterizing the use of the word "traitor" as "loaded" and "insulting," particularly given his own military service. He pointed out the historical severity associated with treason and urged caution with language, especially in light of recent events. Wallace reiterated his concern about the practicalities of Reform's deportation plan, questioning how victims would be served if deportees were released and noting that Irish offenders could easily return to Ireland.
