Nigel Farage has sparked controversy again, warning that Britain could face “disorder on a huge scale” if radical changes to immigration policy aren’t introduced.
The Reform UK leader used strong language to outline his vision for tackling illegal immigration, insisting that urgent action is needed to prevent social unrest far beyond past protests like the 1990 poll tax riots.
A Controversial Plan for Mass Deportations
Farage’s proposal, called Operation Restoring Justice, is ambitious and sweeping.
He suggested a £10 billion, five-year programme to deport thousands of asylum seekers, with plans for up to five migrant flights leaving the UK daily.
Under his plan, small-boat arrivals would be barred from claiming asylum, while those awaiting deportation would be held in detention centres at surplus RAF bases, which could accommodate up to 24,000 people within 18 months.
International Legal Changes and Third-Country Options
To make his plan legally possible, Farage said the UK would leave the European Convention on Human Rights and derogate from the UN Convention Against Torture.
He also mentioned potential solutions involving “third countries” such as Rwanda and Albania, and even British Overseas Territories like Ascension Island, as backup locations for housing asylum seekers.
Diplomatic Moves With Controversial Nations
The former Brexit Party leader explained he would use the UK’s “diplomatic muscle” to negotiate migrant-return agreements with countries like Afghanistan and Eritrea, despite concerns over human rights abuses there.
Farage defended this stance, saying: “I can’t be responsible for every despotic regime around the world, and the absolute priority is to protect the British people.”
Political Reactions and Tory Response
His proposals have been met with swift criticism. Labour dismissed the ideas as “another pie in the sky policy,” while the Conservative Party accused Farage of simply recycling Tory strategies.
This week, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch aims to regain momentum on the small-boats issue by hosting a meeting of Conservative councillors, helping them challenge asylum hotels in their areas following a successful legal victory in Epping, Essex.
Farage Predicts Major Social Unrest
Farage concluded his interview with a stark warning: if his plans aren’t adopted, he predicts “disorder on a huge scale,” which he believes would be far more serious than the 1990 poll tax riots.
His comments have reignited the debate over how Britain should handle the growing small-boats crisis and the broader asylum system.
