Zia Yusuf Demands Mass Deportations Over Migrant Policy

Reform UK Shadow Home Secretary Zia Yusuf criticized the UK government's migration strategy, citing the arrival of 2,000 illegal migrants during Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first two weeks in office. Yusuf pointed to data spanning August 4, 2025, to June 30, 2026, which indicates the UK accepted 1,117 people from France while returning only 1,087 under a one-in, one-out scheme.

Yusuf described these figures as "pathetic" and characterized the current policy as a "complete capitulation." He argued that the government should stop providing taxpayer funds to France and instead focus on eliminating pull factors to deter illegal crossings.

To address the situation, Yusuf advocated for a program of mass deportations and the deployment of the Royal Navy to intercept migrant boats in the English Channel. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has maintained the existing transfer policy and retained Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary.