Law and order is central to Reform UK's platform. The party argues that Britain's criminal justice system has become too lenient, that police have been diverted from real crime into ideological policing, and that victims are being failed while criminals face inadequate consequences.
Core Pledges
- Recruit 40,000 more police officers
- Zero-tolerance policing in every town centre
- End automatic early release — prisoners to serve full sentences
- Mandatory prison sentences for knife carriers
- Build 10 new prisons
- Life means life for murder — no parole
- Remove police from non-crime hate incidents and social media monitoring
- Expand stop-and-search powers
The Crime Wave
Knife crime, shoplifting, and violent crime have all risen significantly in recent years. Reform UK blames a combination of under-staffed police forces, weak sentencing from the courts, and a criminal justice culture that it argues prioritises rehabilitation over punishment and victim protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reform UK wants to recruit 40,000 more police officers, introduce zero-tolerance policing in town centres, end early release of prisoners, and build new prisons to end the remand crisis. They also want mandatory life sentences for murder with no early release.
Reform UK wants mandatory prison sentences for anyone caught carrying a knife — ending the current practice of community sentences for repeat offenders. They also want to expand stop-and-search powers for police.
Yes. Reform UK wants to end automatic early release at 50% of sentence, restore full-term sentencing, and build 10 new prisons to accommodate the higher prison population this would create.
Reform UK wants to redirect police away from pursuing 'non-crime hate incidents' and social media monitoring and back to visible street policing. They want 40,000 more officers focused on real crime.
Reform UK wants dedicated rural policing teams and tougher sentences for hare coursing, fly-tipping, and farm equipment theft — issues that disproportionately affect rural constituencies.
Other Reform UK Policy Areas
Follow Reform UK Crime Coverage
Independent news on policing, sentencing, knife crime, and criminal justice policy.