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Reform UK party

The latest news and top stories on Reform UK party. A prominent United Kingdom-based right-wing populist political party, Reform UK is dedicated to championing common-sense pro-British policies and reforming governance. Headquartered in Millbank Tower, London, its main areas of focus include significantly reducing immigration, implementing tax cuts, scrapping net-zero targets, and promoting British culture and values. Formed in 2018 as The Brexit Party and rebranded in 2021, it has gained considerable support, securing five Members of Parliament and controlling twelve local councils, establishing itself as a significant force.

An officer helps a woman after a group was picked up attempting to cross the English Channel from France in 2023. Photo: AFP

Europe’s refugee crisis

Illegal migrants to UK face clothing and mouth searches for phones, SIM cards

The Home Office says the new powers are needed to gather intelligence quickly on criminal gangs suspected of smuggling migrants.

2 Dec 2025 - 10:39AM

Reform UK party

Illegal migrants to UK face clothing and mouth searches for phones, SIM cards

The Home Office says the new powers are needed to gather intelligence quickly on criminal gangs suspected of smuggling migrants.

UK finance minister says did not mislead public on latest budget

UK’s Reeves unveils tax plan amid embarrassing budget leak

UK digital ID plan fuels conspiracies, but government denies it is for control

Starmer government insists a digital ID will be voluntary, as critics say it could be used to limit access to flying and food, among other things.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}My Take | BN(0) visa holders deserve clarity on the pathway to a new life in the UK

Hong Kong people are precisely the sort of migrants Britain wants. Yet radical immigration reforms place fresh obstacles in their way.

Hard-right UK politician jailed for taking bribes to make pro-Russia statements

Nathan Gill, a former ally of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, is believed to have pocketed at least US$53,000 in bribes.

UK toughens asylum policy as anti-immigration sentiment rises

Policy overhaul seeks greater control over who can remain in Britain as tens of thousands of people claim asylum.

UK says it’s ending ‘golden ticket’ for refugees with asylum overhaul

Those given refugee status will have it for 30 months instead of five years, and must wait 20 years to apply to live in the UK long term.

UK PM Starmer backs BBC but demands ‘order’ as Trump mulls US$1 billion suit

Starmer didn’t say if he would ask Trump to drop his lawsuit over an edited January 6 speech which suggested Trump called for violence.

UK health secretary denies plot to topple Starmer as prime minister

Wes Streeting says he supports Keir Starmer, as opinion polls suggest he is one of the most unpopular prime ministers of all time.

UK police search London for asylum seeker after mistaken release

The Ethiopian national was sentenced to 12 months in prison for sexual assault. His arrest in September sparked anti-migrant protests across Britain.

UK migrant sex offender freed from jail by mistake instead of being deported

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu’s crimes had sparked protests at the hotel where he was housed with other migrants.

My Take | Digital ID may be a bridge too far for those Brits wanting to ‘stop the boats’

The initiative is seen by many as a threat to cherished freedoms. But, if handled sensitively, it could make interactions with the government and private sector easier.

Starmer warns UK Labour is in ‘fight of our lives’ as party meets

The gathering comes amid talk of a possible leadership challenge, with Labour lagging well behind Farage’s anti-immigrant Reform UK party.

UK to launch mandatory digital ID to curb illegal migration

The plan faced immediate criticism for potentially infringing on civil liberties and failing to deter illegal immigration.

Trump gets royal welcome in UK amid pomp and Epstein protests

King Charles is hosting the US president and first lady at Windsor Castle, as they make a historic second visit.

UK PM condemns Musk’s ‘fight or die’ comments during anti-immigration rally

However, Keir Starmer’s government has resisted calls to sanction the billionaire for his remarks while supporting the far-right.

UK PM Starmer defends self over Epstein links of ex-diplomat Mandelson

Starmer said he would not have appointed Mandelson as US envoy had he known the extent of the envoy’s relationship with the sex offender.

My Take | Britain must prove its commitment to the BN(O) scheme for HK migrants

While the UK needs to calm the headwinds gathering around immigration, it should also declare that the status quo for Hongkongers will stay.

UK deputy PM quits over tax error, prompting cabinet shake-up

Angela Rayner is the eighth – and most senior – ministerial departure from PM Keir Starmer’s team, and the most damaging yet.

UK police arrest 5 men at hotel near London during anti-asylum protest

Two groups of protesters marched to the Crowne Plaza Hotel near Heathrow Airport before some masked men tried to break in, police said.

UK’s Farage unveils plan to deport asylum seekers, warns of ‘civil disorder’

Reform UK leader proposes repealing human rights laws, as his party claims it could deport 600,000 asylum seekers if it wins power.

Protest-hit UK town wins bid to empty asylum-seeker hotel

Protests broke out in Epping in July after an asylum seeker was charged with sexually assaulting a teenage girl, which he denies.

UK to begin returning migrants to France under new ‘1 in, 1 out’ deal

The UK government said it was ‘operationally ready’, and migrant detentions are expected to begin ‘within days’.

UK defends Online Safety Act after X claims it threatens free speech

Under new UK rules, platforms must work to prevent children accessing harmful content like material that encourages suicide, but X says regulators are heavy-handed.

Starmer promised to boost UK living standards. A year on, not much has changed

The prime minister says wages growing faster than prices is a sign of things improving, but rising costs force more Britons to seek second jobs.

UK welcomes French police puncturing small boat carrying migrants

The BBC broadcast footage of officers damaging the vessel, full of people, as it was about to set off, with PM Keir Starmer’s office calling it a ‘significant moment’.

My Take | BN(0) visa holders deserve clarity on the pathway to a new life in the UK