Deputy Richard Tice responds following Archbishop of York's commentary on migrant policy reforms

In a heated exchange of opinions, several political parties have found themselves at odds over immigration and human rights policies.

During a recent news conference, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, unveiled his party's flagship immigration plan. The plan, which includes deporting anyone who comes to the UK illegally, regardless of potential harm, and paying countries with questionable human rights records to take people back, has sparked controversy.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, criticised this approach, stating that the role of the Church is not to interfere with international migration policies. However, Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform, responded by asserting that Cottrell was "wrong" with his criticism.

Meanwhile, Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, defended Labour's position of staying in the governance of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), stating that honouring the "rule of law" is important. She also insisted that there needs to be reform of the ECHR and that the home secretary is looking at the article eight provisions, which cover the right to a private and family life, to see "whether they need updating and reforming for the modern age".

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart supported the Conservatives' stance, stating that they have now "put forward very clear legislation that would solve this problem". He also reaffirmed the party's policy that the UK should leave the ECHR.

The Conservative party, in its plans to end the use of hotels to house asylum seekers by 2029, has faced criticism from opposition parties. The Liberal Democrats and the Greens condemned the plan, while the Conservatives criticized Mr. Farage for "copying our homework".

The debate over human rights legislation has also come to the forefront. Mr. Burghart concluded that Labour "isn't going to do it" so the problem "is going to get worse". He argued that the Conservatives have clear legislation to address this issue. However, Ms Phillipson defended Labour's position, stating that it "is about a balance of rights".

The controversy has not been limited to just the Reform UK plan. Ms Phillipson was drawn on the recent court ruling in favour of the Home Office, which overturned an injunction banning The Bell Hotel in Epping from housing asylum seekers. She refused to comment on what the government would do if it is found that the ECHR is unreformable.

In response, Reform UK hit back at the Archbishop of York and the government, stating that they want to provoke anger, but they don't actually want to solve the problems that we face in front of us.

The Labour Party under leader Keir Starmer strongly supports remaining part of the ECHR and opposes the UK withdrawing from it, emphasizing the protection of human rights as a fundamental principle. The party has maintained its stance despite the ongoing debates and criticisms.

The issue of immigration and human rights continues to be a contentious topic in British politics, with parties presenting different solutions and approaches. As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how these policies will shape the future of the UK's immigration system.

Deputy Richard Tice responds following Archbishop of York's commentary on migrant policy reforms