Reform UK MP Kruger denies pensioner deportations as he pushes citizenship path and cultural-focused immigration policy

Reform UK MP Danny Kruger said there are no plans for pensioner deportations as his party seeks to end indefinite leave to remain. In his first interview since defecting from the Conservatives last week, Kruger argued the change would focus on UK citizens and culture while streamlining immigration policy.

During the interview on the Political Thinking podcast Kruger said there was no intention to deport pensioners and that those residents should apply for British citizenship. What we're trying to do is to ensure that many of those people who have come into this country in recent years will have to leave voluntarily because they will no longer be entitled to benefits, which they shouldn't be getting in the first place, he said. Or to apply for a visa that enables them to stay as long as they're working and paying their way and can speak English. He added: We're going to end the status of indefinite leave to remain, which is a passport to mass migration, as we've seen. Millions of people coming to this country, initially temporarily, but then ending up here forever.

Kruger linked the policy shift to concerns about the scale and speed of immigration from Muslim countries, saying the faith did not easily allow for cultural integration with the traditional habits of life of the UK. He added: My concern is when whole cities essentially become Muslim, then we've got change that I don't think people voted for and is not consistent with the best interests of our country as a whole. We are getting a segregated society. We're seeing people living, not just as there's always been in this country, sad to say, class divisions and some cultural divisions, but whole communities living an entirely un-British life.

Kruger claimed present-day immigration was unlike previous waves that had seen Jewish and Catholic immigrants come to the UK and successfully integrated because the rate of immigration is simply too great and too swift. When asked whether his statements were likely to incite division, the Reform MP claimed these were legitimate concerns that were causing distress and disquiet in so many communities around the UK.

He also argued that prominent politicians should be allowed to speak in what he called the democratic language of ordinary people, rather than resorting to highfalutin or professional rhetoric — even when that includes describing migration as an invasion. He noted that his critique targeted policy and trends, not individuals, but he acknowledged the sensitivity of the rhetoric around immigration, particularly as it intersects with national identity.

The exchange took place as Kruger, who defected from the Conservatives last week, faced questions about Reform UK's stance on indefinite leave to remain. The party has argued for scrapping ILR to limit what it calls mass migration, while encouraging residents to pursue citizenship or work-based visas. Kruger stressed that the changes were driven by concerns over cultural cohesion and the scale and speed of recent arrivals, rather than punitive aims toward any particular group. The interview marks Kruger's first public remarks since joining Reform, and it comes as UK political debate on immigration and national identity remains highly charged.

For political readers, the remarks also touch on broader themes observed in other democracies, including the United States, where similar debates about immigration, integration, and language used by leaders have played out in different contexts. Kruger named examples such as Donald Trump and Boris Johnson to illustrate his point that political discourse should connect with ordinary voters, even if that approach sparks controversy. While his comments drew immediate scrutiny, supporters say they reflect a prioritization of national culture and public resources amid rapid demographic change. Critics, however, warn that rhetoric about invasion or cultural replacement risks deepening social divisions and targeting minority communities.

Kruger’s stance, if reflected in Reform’s platform, would mark a significant shift in immigration policy in the United Kingdom, with direct implications for long-term residents, economic migrants, and the public purse. The party argues that ending indefinite leave to remain will prevent unbounded settlement and ensure that newcomers contribute to UK society, but opponents warn it could create uncertainty for thousands who have built lives in Britain. As Reform continues to outline its policy roadmap, Kruger’s comments will likely intensify the ongoing national conversation about who belongs in Britain and how the country should manage its future population growth.