Reform UK
Council Pushes ‘Migration Emergency’ in Kent
The
Reform UK leadership of Kent County Council (KCC) is seeking to declare an
"illegal migration emergency" in the county, as of March 15, 2026.
This motion, the first of its kind in the UK, argues that Kent is at the
forefront of a small boat "invasion" that is placing an unsustainable
strain on public services and local finances.
Key
Details of the Motion
Proposed
By: Reform UK councillors David Wimble and Jeremy Eustace.
Core
Demands: The motion calls for the council leader, Linden Kemkaran, to demand
that the UK government:
Stop the
arrival of small boats immediately.
Provide
full funding to cover the costs incurred by the county.
Increase
support for Kent’s emergency services and resilience structures.
Stated
Impact: The party claims migration is causing financial strain, particularly in
the care of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and is affecting culture,
community cohesion, and crime levels.
Current
Status and Context
Debate
Timeline: The motion is scheduled for debate at a full council meeting on
Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Council
Control: Reform UK gained outright control of Kent County Council in May 2025,
winning 57 out of 81 seats.
Contrast
in Policy: This move follows the council's earlier decision under Reform UK
leadership to rescind its "climate emergency" declaration.
Responses
Opposition:
Local opposition politicians and charities, such as Care4Calais, have condemned
the motion as "scaremongering" and "alarmist rhetoric".
Government:
A Home Office spokesperson stated that they have already implemented
"tough new measures" and claimed to have stopped over 40,000 crossing
attempts since taking office.
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