Channel crossings in small boats have become one of the most politically charged issues in British politics. Over 300,000 people have crossed since 2018, with successive governments failing to find a durable solution.
The Reform UK Approach
Reform UK's position is the most hardline of any major party: use the Royal Navy to physically intercept and turn back boats, withdraw from the ECHR to enable mass deportations, and process all claims within 30 days in secure accommodation.
Why Previous Approaches Failed
The Conservative Rwanda scheme was repeatedly blocked by the courts, citing ECHR obligations. Reform UK argues this is precisely why the UK must leave the ECHR — that remaining in it makes any meaningful deterrence impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reform UK wants to use the Royal Navy to physically turn back small boats in the Channel. They would also withdraw from the ECHR to remove legal barriers to deportation and process all asylum claims within 30 days.
Over 300,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats since 2018. Crossings peaked at over 45,000 in 2022. Despite the Rwanda scheme under the Conservatives, numbers have not significantly fallen.
The Rwanda asylum deportation scheme was introduced by the Conservative government but faced sustained legal challenges and was effectively suspended by the Labour government on taking office in July 2024. Labour replaced it with a different returns framework.
Reform UK argues yes, using the Royal Navy and withdrawing from the ECHR. Critics argue this would breach maritime law and risk lives. Other countries including Australia have used 'turn back' policies with mixed results and controversy.
Asylum seekers cross in small boats primarily because there is no safe legal route from France to the UK. The UK-France border is effectively a dead end for those without valid visas. Reform UK's position is that anyone arriving illegally should be immediately returned.
Other Reform UK Policy Areas
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