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Home secretary slams Reform migrant plans as ‘dog whistle’ for racists

Related: Rachel Reeves takes aim at Farage and Reform during Labour conference speech
  • Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has fiercely criticised Reform UK's immigration proposals, labelling them "immoral" and "extreme" and suggesting Nigel Farage used a "dog whistle" to appeal to racists.
  • Reform UK's controversial plans include abolishing indefinite leave to remain and requiring migrants with settled status to reapply for stricter visas.
  • Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also described Reform’s policy as racist, although Chancellor Rachel Reeves said that voters can support Reform without being racist themselves.
  • Mr Farage accused Sir Keir of insulting those who advocate for reduced migration, while Reform's Zia Yusuf defended the party’s policy as reasonable.
  • Labour also announced its own immigration reforms , requiring migrants to demonstrate societal contribution, English proficiency and a clean criminal record, to secure residency in the UK.
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