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Kent County Council, led by the Reform UK group, is planning to declare an “illegal migration emergency” in response to the increasing number of migrants arriving via small boats. The issue is set to be discussed at a full council meeting on Thursday, where Reform UK representatives have described the county as being on the frontline of what they term a small-boat “invasion,” placing significant pressure on local public services and the council’s budget.
The motion, put forward by Reform councillors David Wimble and Jeremy Eustace, highlights the financial burden caused by migration, particularly the care costs for unaccompanied asylum-seeking individuals up to the age of 25. Beyond the economic impact, the motion also raises concerns about effects on culture, community cohesion, and crime rates. Members of the Reform leadership are urging the council leader to call on the national government to immediately halt the arrivals of small boats, increase funding to cover these mounting expenses, and provide greater support to the county’s emergency services.
Opposition politicians have criticized the motion, accusing Reform UK of using fear-based language to describe the migration situation. Steve Smith, representing the charity Care4Calais, condemned the description of Channel crossings as an “invasion,” calling it alarmist and unhelpful. He argued, “The focus should be on fair, efficient processing and safe routes,” emphasizing the need for compassion towards people fleeing hardship, asking, “Where is the compassion for people who have lost everything?”
In response, a Home Office spokesperson defended the government’s record, stating that it inherited a broken immigration system but has since prevented over 40,000 crossing attempts and removed or deported nearly 60,000 individuals. The spokesperson noted recent measures introduced by the Home Secretary aimed at withdrawing accommodation and support payments from many asylum seekers, along with further steps designed to deter illegal migration. The official concluded, “We will not stop until migration is under control once again.
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