Overview of the plan
The Conservative Party has put forward a bold, controversial package aimed at drastically reducing the number of people who enter or remain in the UK without permission. Announced as the party gathers in Manchester for its annual conference, the proposal would task government officials with removing up to 750,000 migrants over a five-year parliamentary term, should the party win the next election. The plan also signals a major shift in how asylum claims are processed and how enforcement is conducted at the border.
Key elements of the policy
Central to the strategy is an asylum system overhaul that would bar individuals who enter the UK illegally from ever claiming asylum and would prevent those whose asylum requests are rejected from appealing in the courts. Instead, the appeals process would be handled by Home Office officials. The party argues that this would streamline decisions and reduce delays, though critics warn it could limit access to independent oversight.
Border enforcement would be expanded through a renamed and empowered unit—the “Removals Force.” The Home Office would double funding for this body to £1.6 billion per year, with a new mandate to remove at least 150,000 people annually, roughly giving the unit the capacity to reach the five-year target. The policy frames removals as a combination of returns of people already living in the UK illegally and future illegal arrivals, as well as foreign nationals convicted of serious crimes.
Detention and enforcement
Officials say detention will be used to facilitate rapid removals, with capacity for between 1,000 and 2,000 detainees in an expanded facility. The plan also proposes new tools for border security, including giving police forces the authority to check arrest records against biometric border data and expanding the use of facial recognition technology. In a move designed to strengthen deterrence, the party asserts that removals could occur within hours or a few days after a decision is made.
Asylum grounds and eligibility
Under the proposals, the grounds for asylum would be narrowed to those facing a direct threat from their government at home. Claims from people fleeing conflict or restrictive social or religious environments would be scrutinized more severely, with the goal of focusing protection on those most at risk. The policy also aims to abolish the Immigration Tribunal, shifting the appeals process to a Home Office-led team. Critics warn that this could remove a critical independent check on decisions.
Legal aid and public access
In what the party describes as a “no-need-for-lawyers” approach, the plan would abolish taxpayer-funded legal aid in immigration cases. Officials argue that asylum claims would be evaluated against clear criteria, reducing the need for legal representation. Opponents counter that legal counsel is a safeguard for due process and might be especially important for vulnerable claimants navigating a complex system.
Economic and political context
The conference occurs amid flagging poll numbers for the governing party and the emergence of Reform UK under Nigel Farage as a potential challenger in future elections. The Conservatives say the reforms will restore sovereignty and deter illegal entry, while opponents warn of human rights risks and the practical challenges of mass removals. The policy also touches on the broader debate about Britain’s relationship with international human rights frameworks, including discussions about leaving the European Convention on Human Rights.
Public reception and next steps
Reaction to the proposal has been mixed among lawmakers, security experts, and immigrant rights advocates. Supporters argue that a tougher stance is needed to restore public trust and manage migration effectively. Critics warn that rapid removals could be legally and logistically fraught and may expose individuals to unsafe conditions or errors in processing. The party plans to push the proposal through its conference platform, outlining how it would be funded and implemented if elected.
