Reform UK Launches Inquiry into Costs of UK Migration from 2021 to 2024
Reform UK announced an inquiry into the 'Boriswave' period of UK migration, estimating costs at £622 billion. Party leader Nigel Farage and Home Affairs Spokesman Zia Yusuf presented the report at a Westminster press conference. The report details visa issuances and potential fiscal impacts on households.
GB NewsReform UK announced the launch of its 'Boriswave' Inquiry on April 13, 2026, at a press conference in Westminster. The inquiry examines the costs associated with UK migration between January 2021 and June 2024. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, and Zia Yusuf, the party's Home Affairs Spokesman, presented the findings.
8 million long-term visas. 6 million. Farage stated that the government had made four manifesto commitments to reduce net migration to tens of thousands annually but did not achieve this.
Migration Policy Background Farage noted that public expectations were for the government to address migration levels following the 2016 Brexit vote.
He said the opposite occurred during the 'Boriswave' period. The report estimates the total cost of this migration at £622 billion, based on government figures. 2 million migrants from this period are now eligible for indefinite leave to remain, followed by British citizenship.
The report calculates that granting this status could cost each British household up to £20,000 annually over coming decades. Yusuf described the migration as having altered the fiscal trajectory of the country.
Fiscal and Policy Implications Farage argued that action could still mitigate these costs if indefinite leave to remain is not granted to over two million people in the next 18 months.
He linked the migration trends to broader issues from the Brexit vote, stating that the political class did not fully implement Brexit. Farage also addressed recent Conservative positions on defense, noting reductions in the Royal Navy's capabilities under previous governments.
The inquiry aims to highlight these fiscal and policy outcomes. Reform UK positions the report as a call to address ongoing migration eligibility processes.
Story Timeline
4 events- April 13, 2026
Reform UK announced the 'Boriswave' Inquiry at a Westminster press conference.
1 sourceGB News - January 2021 to June 2024
UK government issued 3.8 million long-term visas, leading to 4.8 million gross immigration.
1 sourceGB News - 2019 Conservative Manifestos
Party committed four times to reduce net migration to tens of thousands annually.
1 sourceGB News - 2016
UK voted for Brexit, influencing later migration policy debates.
1 sourceGB News
Potential Impact
- 01
Eligibility for indefinite leave could increase fiscal costs by £622 billion over decades.
- 02
Households may face up to £20,000 annual costs if citizenship is granted to eligible migrants.
- 03
Criticism of past Conservative policies could affect voter perceptions ahead of elections.
- 04
Reform UK's inquiry may influence public debate on migration policy adjustments.
Transparency Panel
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