Nigel Farage is set to lay out a Donald Trump-style plan to jail thousands of offenders overseas in a landmark speech today.
The Reform UK chief will unveil plans to rent foreign prisons in “partner” nations, including those in Central America – where Britain’s most dangerous criminals will be sent.
“We would consider multiple partners including El Salvador,” a party source told The Sun.
“For too long, Labour and the Tories have sent the message that crime in Britain carries little to no consequence. Reform will change that,” Farage will say.
“If you’re a criminal, we are putting you on notice. In 2029, you have a choice to make: be a law-abiding citizen or face serious justice.”
His hardliner ex-magistrate MP Sarah Pochin said: “The cost to the British taxpayer of prison places is currently estimated at over £50,000 per year and rising.
“By sending our most serious offenders to overseas jails, we greatly reduce this cost and at the same time they experience a tougher prison environment and lose privileges such as family visits which, quite frankly, they don’t deserve.”
Trump has won plaudits for his agreement with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to jail illegal migrants to the US in the Central American nation.
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Party leader Nigel Farage speaks during a Reform UK press conference in Royal Horseguards Hotel, London
And closer to home, Denmark has signed a 10-year deal to lease 300 cells in a Kosovan prison.
The Danes’ plan will see only convicted foreign offenders sent to the Balkans – while Reform has pledged to deport all international offenders entirely.
Speaking ahead of Farage’s press conference on crime, Policing Minister Diana Johnson labelled Reform’s actions as “shameful”.
“If Nigel Farage was serious about making our streets safer, he should have backed the tough new laws we introduced earlier this year, Johnson said.
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Diana Johnson said Farage should have backed new laws introduced earlier this year
“It’s shameful that Reform constantly seeks to undermine confidence in our police and criminal justice system and voted to try to block measures to crack down on knife crime, antisocial behaviour, shop theft, child sexual abuse, and long overdue action to tackle the scourge of violence against women and girls.
“They should focus more on practical solutions to support our police, combat crime, deliver justice for victims of crime rather than chasing headlines, spouting slogans and trying to divide communities.
“Our Labour Government is focused on delivering on our safer streets mission.
“Through our plan for change, we’re putting neighbourhood police back on the beat, clamping down on the crimes blighting our communities and building a safer, fairer country for us all.”
Shadow Environment Minister Robbie Moore also criticised Reform’s new policy announcements as “headline politics” lacking in detail.
