Deputy Richard Tice responds to Archbishop of York's comments on migrant policy reform

In a recent development, Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, unveiled its flagship immigration policy during a news conference in Oxford. The policy, which includes deporting anyone who enters the UK illegally and leaving international agreements, has sparked a heated debate among politicians and religious leaders.

Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart, representing the Conservatives, criticised the policy, stating that it mirrors their own previous plans. He added that Reform UK seems more interested in provoking anger rather than solving the real problems at hand.

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Minister appointed by the Labour Party under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, defended the government's position, stating that honouring the "rule of law" is important. She clarified that the government's stance is about achieving a balance of rights, not prioritising the rights of asylum seekers over British citizens.

The policy has also been met with criticism from the Liberal Democrats and Greens, who have expressed concerns about the potential human rights implications. Richard Tice, Reform's deputy leader, responded to this criticism, stating that all the accusations are wrong.

The Home Secretary has announced a review of the article eight provisions to see if they need updating and reforming for the modern age. This comes after a court ruling in favour of the Home Office, which overturned an injunction banning The Bell Hotel in Epping from housing asylum seekers.

The Archbishop of York has accused Reform UK's plan of being an "isolationist, short-term kneejerk" approach, with no "long-term solutions". He argued that the role of religious leaders is not to interfere with international migration policies.

However, Reform UK has hit back at the criticism, stating that their policy is about taking a firm stance on immigration and ensuring that the UK's borders are secure. They also plan to pay countries with questionable human rights records, such as Afghanistan, to take people back.

Ms Phillipson refused to comment on what the government would do if it is found that the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is unreformable. She did, however, insist that there needs to be reform of the ECHR. Shadow Cabinet Office minister Alex Burghart stated that the Conservatives would be willing to leave the ECHR if recommended to them.

Meanwhile, MP for Boston and Skegness, Mr. Tice, accused ministers of being "more interested in protecting the rights of people who've come here illegally... than looking after the rights of British citizens".

The debate over immigration policy continues, with both sides presenting their arguments and counter-arguments. As the election approaches, it will be interesting to see how this issue unfolds and how the public responds.

Deputy Richard Tice responds to Archbishop of York's comments on migrant policy reform