Reform UK spokesman warns Britain is being invaded by illegal migrants and promises mass deportations across the country

Reform UK’s new home affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, made waves this week with a fiery speech in Dover, claiming that the UK is being “invaded” by illegal migrants.

Yusuf outlined a series of sweeping proposals aimed at tackling what he described as a crisis, drawing inspiration from Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policies in the United States.

He announced an ambitious target of deporting 288,000 migrants every year if his party were to come to power.

Introducing the UK Deportation Command

Central to Yusuf’s plans is the creation of the UK Deportation Command, a British version of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

He said this unit would be capable of detaining up to 24,000 migrants at any given time and would oversee a programme of mass deportations.

Yusuf also revealed that he planned to run five deportation flights daily, keeping an RAF Voyager on standby to ensure the operation runs without interruption.

These proposals have sparked concern given the controversies surrounding ICE and Border Patrol in the U.S., where fatal incidents earlier this year raised questions about the safety of such aggressive enforcement.

Visa Freezes and ECHR Withdrawal

Yusuf proposed visa freezes on countries including Pakistan, Somalia, Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sudan if they refuse to accept migrants without legal status.

He also called for Britain to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), arguing that the current legal framework prioritizes the rights of foreign criminals over those of British citizens.

Yusuf cited several cases in which judges blocked the deportation of illegal migrants with criminal convictions as examples of this perceived injustice.

Tougher Immigration Laws and Criminal Penalties

The Reform UK plan includes legislation Yusuf called the Illegal Migration Mass Deportation Act, which would compel the Home Secretary to deport illegal migrants while preventing judicial interference.

Other measures involve replacing indefinite leave to remain with renewable five-year work visas, introducing a dedicated spouse visa, and implementing a “Polanski Law” to criminalize aiding or abetting illegal entry into the UK regardless of intent.

He also proposed removing foreign nationals’ entitlement to Universal Credit, conducting automatic home searches for individuals flagged by the Prevent counter-terrorism programme, expanding stop-and-search powers in high-crime areas, and stripping police of diversity, equity, and inclusion mandates to focus on core policing duties.

Defending the “Invasion” Claim

Yusuf defended his use of the word “invasion,” saying that it accurately describes the arrival of large numbers of people in an unwanted way.

Addressing critics in Dover, he argued that reversing what he sees as an invasion is essential because the patience of the British public has run out.

His rhetoric underscores a hardline approach to immigration that has become increasingly prominent in some UK political circles.

Protecting Britain’s Christian Heritage

Another aspect of Yusuf’s agenda is what he describes as protecting Britain’s Christian heritage.

This would involve granting listed status to all churches, legally preventing their conversion into mosques or other non-Christian places of worship.

Yusuf’s proposals have prompted debate about whether such measures could heighten religious tensions in an already diverse society.

Opposition Pushback

Labour chairman Anna Turley responded strongly to Yusuf’s speech, arguing that Reform UK’s proposals are divisive and threaten the values of a tolerant, multicultural Britain.

She emphasized that the country has a proud history of diversity and warned that such rhetoric could sow fear and polarization among communities.

What’s Next?

Reform UK’s immigration proposals are likely to spark intense debate in parliament and across public discourse.

Legal challenges are expected, particularly if the party attempts to withdraw from the ECHR or implement mass deportation policies.

Opposition parties are preparing campaigns emphasizing human rights, fairness, and community cohesion, while public opinion may ultimately determine the political viability of Yusuf’s ambitious plans.

The coming months could see a heated national conversation about the balance between border control, migrant rights, and the protection of British citizens.

Summary

Zia Yusuf, speaking for Reform UK, has declared that the UK is being “invaded” by illegal migrants and has promised to deport 288,000 people every year if his party gains power.

His proposals include creating a UK Deportation Command modeled on the U.S. ICE agency, implementing visa freezes on certain countries, and withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights to prioritize British citizens’ rights over those of foreign criminals.

Yusuf also introduced sweeping legislative and policing measures, including renewable work visas, stricter criminal penalties for aiding illegal entry, and expanded stop-and-search powers.

He emphasized protecting Britain’s Christian heritage by granting listed status to all churches.

These measures have been sharply criticized by Labour chairman Anna Turley, who warned that they could divide the nation and undermine Britain’s tradition of tolerance.

The proposals are expected to provoke legal challenges, political debates, and a broader national conversation about immigration, human rights, and public safety.