BackPOLITICS
Reform pledges to open migrant detention centres in Green-voting areas
Reform UK says it would open migrant detention centres for people awaiting deportation in Green Party voting areas, as part of plans to detain up to 24,000 people within 18 months. The policy includes a Mass Deportation Detention Act and an estimated cost of about £12 billion for 24,000 beds. The Green Party and other opponents criticized the proposal as divisive and inhumane.
Why It Matters
The proposal would influence where detention facilities could be built and raises questions about local consent, deportation processes, and how asylum enforcement is framed in UK politics.
Timeline
2 Events
Reform UK pledges to open detention centres in Green-voting areas
May 4, 2026
Reform UK announced it would open migrant detention centres for people awaiting deportation in areas that vote for the Green Party, prioritising Green constituencies and Green-controlled councils. Detainees would stay in the centres for about two weeks before deportation. The party would also introduce a Mass Deportation Detention Act to give the home secretary powers to prevent councils from blocking openings. The plan aims to detain up to 24,000 people within 18 months and estimates about £500,000 per bed (roughly £12 billion for 24,000 beds). The policy drew criticism from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Scotland's First Minister, and Plaid Cymru, while Reform defended it as ensuring democratic consent for mass deportations. Green Party and other opponents described the proposal as disgusting and an attempt to distract voters.
Greens manifesto calls end to immigration detention (2024)
2024
In their 2024 general election manifesto, the Green Party called for an end to immigration detention for all migrants unless they are a danger to public safety.