Reform blasted over plan to close asylum system for five years if it wins power
The Refugee Council has said Reform’s proposals are "unworkable" and would "cause chaos"
Reform UK has been condemned over its plan to close the asylum system for a full parliamentary term if it wins power.
Nigel Farage’s party has said that it would “shut down” the asylum system and deport around 90,000 people who are currently on asylum waiting lists.
In a post on X, Zia Yusuf, Reform’s home affairs spokesperson, said: “As Home Secretary I will immediately shut down the asylum system. Britain is full.
“No more asylum. No more free hotels. I will clear the asylum backlog by deporting everyone in it. Enough is enough. British people first.”
The Refugee Council has called the proposals “unworkable” and said they would “cause chaos”.
Jon Featonby, Chief Policy Analyst at the Refugee Council, said: “These unworkable proposals would see us abandon our proud tradition of offering safety to victims of war, which our ancestors established in response to the horrors of World War Two.
“In our frontline services, we see how Britain’s asylum system has protected people who have escaped brutal violence in countries like Sudan, or fled repression under regimes like the Taliban.
“Over the last seventy five years, our asylum system has been the difference between life and death for thousands of refugees, allowing them to rebuild their lives in safety and go on to play a part in Britain.
“Closing our asylum system would cause chaos. Desperate people would still arrive on our shores, but instead of entering an orderly system, they would be driven underground and vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.”
Featonby added: “All the main parties should be focusing on what works to deliver an asylum system that is controlled and compassionate and reflects the best of Britain.”
He said political parties should focus on making asylum decisions “as quickly as possible” so refugees are not “languishing in accommodation paid for by the taxpayer”, and that they should be able to move into proper housing and start work or training.
Commenting on the proposals, Green MP Sian Berry said: “Reform is dangerously pitting funding for the NHS against upholding basic human rights for asylum seekers, all while supporting US-style private healthcare for the UK for the enrichment of its billionaire backers.
“The Green Party’s idea of a ‘normal country’ is one which stands by international treaties, and where those fleeing war and persecution are treated with human decency. It is also a country where the richest pay their fair share and our public services are properly funded.”
Olivia Barber is a reporter at Left Foot Forward
Left Foot Forward doesn't have the backing of big business or billionaires. We rely on the kind and generous support of ordinary people like you.
You can support hard-hitting journalism that holds the right to account, provides a forum for debate among progressives, and covers the stories the rest of the media ignore. Donate today.
Donate today
