Full Breakdown
Reform UK Targets Green-Voting Areas for New Migrant Detention Centres
5/4/2026, 9:00:20 PM
Reform UK's Green-Voting Detention Centre Plan
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, announced that if it wins the local elections, it will locate migrant detention centres in constituencies and council areas that vote for the Green Party of England and Wales, while guaranteeing no centre will be built in any Reform-held seat. Home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf said the party will “prioritise Green constituencies and Green-controlled councils” because the Greens “support open borders.” Detainees would be held for about two weeks with no right to leave before deportation, and a proposed Mass Deportation Detention Act would give the Home Secretary power to override council objections.
Scale, Cost and Timeline
The manifesto caps capacity at 24,000 detainees within 18 months. Prison-building data put the cost of a bed at £500,000, implying a £12 billion outlay for 24,000 spaces.
Political Context and Stakes
The plan is unveiled days before local elections in England, Scotland and Wales, where Reform and the Greens are expected to make gains. Critics argue the scheme weaponises immigration policy to punish opposition voters, raising discrimination concerns and prompting warnings of costly legal challenges.
Official Statements
Reform frames the scheme as a fairness measure, arguing that communities backing stricter immigration controls should not bear the burden of detention facilities. The Green Party, led by Zack Polanski, called it “disgusting” and “performative cruelty.” Labour chair Anna Turley described it as “grotesque” and a breach of democratic principles. Conservative figures warned of an “abuse of power” and court battles. Liberal Democrat Max Wilkinson called the debate a “squabble between two parties who don’t have the solutions.” Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney condemned the policy as divisive.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents across the spectrum have labelled the plan divisive, vindictive and financially reckless. Green deputy leader Mothin Ali accused Reform of using the policy to distract from NHS privatisation. Former Conservative minister Simon Clarke warned of costly legal battles, and analysts have questioned the feasibility of locating large facilities in targeted constituencies without clear site assessments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “contempt for all voters - including their own” — Anna Turley, Labour Party chair
- “Given the Green Party advocate for open borders and for an infinite number of undocumented men to come here, we will prioritise Green constituencies and Green-controlled councils to locate these detention centres.” — Zia Yusuf, Reform UK home affairs spokesperson
- “Reform keep making unserious announcements to try and distract voters from the fact they want to privatise our NHS.” — Mothin Ali, Green Party deputy leader
- “dangerous nature of Reform’s politics” — John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister
What’s Next
Elections on Thursday will test voter reaction; Reform plans to table Mass Deportation Detention Act in Parliament, while legal challenges are expected.
