Nigel Farage criticized engaging with the Taliban as a significant error before his party unveiled plans to offer payment to the authoritarian regime for repatriating migrants. Reform UK recently presented a hard-right strategy for mass deportations, including providing funds to countries like Afghanistan. However, following the return of the oppressive Taliban to power, Farage disapproved of the idea of either the US or UK acknowledging the regime.
In response, Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper MP accused Farage of hypocrisy and deception, labeling Reform’s proposal of a “Taliban Tax” as giving taxpayer money to terrorists in a misguided attempt to address migrant crossings and asylum system issues.
Farage faced backlash for his party’s proposal to deport up to 600,000 asylum seekers over five years, including negotiating return agreements with strict regimes like Iran and the Taliban-led Afghanistan. Criticism intensified as unearthed comments showed Farage expressing skepticism about engaging with the Taliban, emphasizing the dangers of such a move.
Despite the Taliban expressing willingness to cooperate with Farage, concerns persist over the practicality and ethics of the proposed “Operation Restoring Justice,” which involves using both incentives and sanctions to secure return agreements with countries. Notably, polling revealed that half of Reform voters find the idea of providing monetary aid to the Taliban regime for Afghan migrants unacceptable.
While the UK does not recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government or maintain formal diplomatic relations with them, the UK’s stance on the Taliban’s terror designation is nuanced. In response to the controversy, a Reform UK spokesperson affirmed Farage’s commitment to prioritizing British interests, including the uncompromising deportation of illegally residing Afghans.
The ongoing debate underscores the complexities surrounding immigration policies and the moral implications of engaging with authoritarian regimes for repatriation purposes.