Reform would pay the Taliban to take back migrants, Zia Yusuf admits
Taxpayer money would go to Taliban under Reform UK migrant plans
- Reform UK has proposed paying governments, including the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, to accept the return of migrants who have entered Britain illegally.
- Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's former party chairman, said it is "quite reasonable" to hand money to the Taliban for a returns agreement, citing existing foreign aid to Afghanistan.
- The party's plan to tackle illegal migration includes leaving the European Convention on Human Rights and replacing it with a British Bill of Rights applicable only to UK citizens and legal residents.
- Under Reform UK's proposals, those arriving via unauthorised routes, such as small boats, would have no right to claim asylum and would be housed in military bases before deportation.
- Reform UK estimates its immigration plan would cost £10 billion over five years, with a £2 billion budget allocated for payments to countries for migrant returns.