Reform would create ICE-style agency and end leave to remain, Zia Yusuf to say
Reform UK proposes the establishment of an agency akin to ICE for deportations, along with the cancellation of indefinite leave to remain for many individuals, sparking controversy and political pushback from the Labour party.
Reform UK is set to announce controversial proposals that include the creation of an agency similar to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), aimed at deporting hundreds of thousands of individuals living in the UK. According to Zia Yusuf, the party's new home affairs spokesperson, these proposals include the termination of indefinite leave to remain (ILR) for certain individuals, a move that raises significant concerns about the rights of those who have legally settled in Britain. Additionally, the policies would restrict the conversion of churches into mosques and advocate for a radical enhancement of stop-and-search practices in relation to national security.
The proposed changes have drawn strong criticism from the Labour party, with chair Anna Turley labeling the plans as divisive and detrimental to the fabric of British society. She expressed concerns that the reforms would unjustly target individuals who have followed immigration rules, worked diligently, and contributed to their communities. According to Turley, this agenda poses a direct threat to settled families and is fundamentally un-British, as it contradicts the nation's values of tolerance and diversity.
Yusuf's speech will also address the controversial deradicalization programme known as Prevent, suggesting that its focus should be narrowed to tackle Islamist extremism specifically. The implications of this announcement, if implemented, raise questions about civil liberties and the broader societal impact, highlighting the growing polarization regarding immigration and security policies in the UK as the country navigates complex social dynamics.