The government of Gibraltar has strongly criticized Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party after a member of parliament refused to categorically deny the possibility of relocating asylum seekers there.
Sarah Pochin sparked controversy by avoiding a commitment to not transferring migrants to British overseas territories, including the Falkland Islands. When pressed in a debate, Ms. Pochin declined to dismiss the idea, stating, “No, I will not rule out any potential policy.”
Nigel Farage had previously promised to expel 600,000 individuals from the UK within five years if he gains power, raising uncertainties about their destination.
A representative from Gibraltar’s government conveyed to national broadcaster GBC that immigration policy falls under Gibraltar’s jurisdiction, and they have a firm policy against processing asylum seekers in the territory due to limited space constraints.
During a debate on asylum hotels in Westminster Hall, Labour MP Luke Charters expressed concern about using overseas territories for asylum processing. He urged Ms. Pochin to clarify if Reform UK would exclude the Falkland Islands from their asylum strategy.
In response, Ms. Pochin reiterated her refusal to rule out any potential policies and declined further questioning.
Gibraltar, also known as The Rock, spans just 2.6 square miles.