MP accuses Farage of 'empty slogans' on immigration

Nigel Farage unveiled his party's plans to tackle illegal migration in Oxfordshire this week

Nigel Farage "made no effort to understand the people or challenges" of Oxfordshire an MP has said, after the Reform UK leader unveiled his plans to tackle illegal migration during a visit to the county.

In a speech at London Oxford Airport on Tuesday, Mr Farage said his party would be prepared to deport 600,000 migrants over five years if it won power at the next election.

But Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, said the proposals were "empty slogans" which were "not a substitute for serious policy".

In a letter to Farage, Miller added that Oxfordshire was a "community interested in solving problems, not fuelling conflict".

"You came here to talk about 'mass deportations' but made no effort to understand the people or challenges of this community," he wrote to the Reform UK leader.

"If you return, I would be glad to show you Oxfordshire's real story: businesses thriving thanks to home and overseas talent, health and care services desperate for staff and residents supporting refugees with compassion."

Calum Miller questioned Farage over funding for Reform's plans for new detention centres and surveillance systems

Miller also criticised Farage for "invoking" Winston Churchill - who was born, and spent much of his childhood, at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire.

"He spent his career grappling with difficult truths and forging alliances in our national interest," the Liberal Democrat wrote.

"Instead of sowing division, we should build on that legacy."

The BBC has contacted Reform UK and Nigel Farage for a response to Calum Miller's letter.

During Tuesday's speech, Farage said his party would bar anyone who comes to the UK on small boats from claiming asylum, under plans announced earlier.

The party says it would make £2bn available to offer payments or aid to countries like Afghanistan to take back migrants, with sanctions potentially imposed on uncooperative countries.

Labour has branded the proposals unworkable, whilst the Conservatives have accused Reform of copying ideas they announced earlier this year.