Reform UK is facing internal discord as disagreements emerged regarding its immigration stance. Zia Yusuf, the party’s home affairs spokesperson, and Robert Jenrick, the economic lead, clashed over proposals to expel hundreds of thousands of individuals from the UK.
This rift coincides with a challenging period for Nigel Farage, amid a series of revelations surrounding controversial statements made by their by-election candidate in Makerfield, who is challenging Andy Burnham.
The dispute stemmed from a statement by the former Tory on Sky News, suggesting that foreign residents legally residing in the UK and living in social housing would not be automatically deported under a Reform Government. In response, Zia Yusuf rebuked Robert’s position online, asserting that individuals in social housing at taxpayer expense would fail the economic test and face deportation.
Labour’s immigration minister, Mike Tapp, characterized the public clash within Reform UK as indicative of a lack of coherent strategy, contrasting it with the Labour government’s focus on delivering results for working people. He highlighted achievements such as reduced net migration levels and enhanced public services.
Recent data from the Office for National Statistics revealed a significant drop in net migration to the UK, reaching an estimated 171,000 in the year to December 2025, down by nearly half compared to the previous year. This decline aligns with broader trends following the implementation of post-Brexit immigration policies and ongoing travel restrictions due to the pandemic.
