Clacton residents split on Farage's £17bn crime bill

The plan aims to recruit 30,000 more police officers, build new prisons on Ministry of Defence land, and send foreign criminals overseas to serve their sentences.

The proposals include creating 12,400 new prison places on MoD land and freeing up another 10,400 spaces by sending serious offenders to countries such as El Salvador.

However, the Reform UK leader admitted he hasn't actually discussed this with the Central American nation - and his plans have been dismissed by critics as "fantasy" with costs that are "billions out".

Former chief inspector of prisons Nick Hardwick warned that Reform's plan "just doesn't add up" and would cost "far, far more than he's suggesting," while Tory shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride accused Mr Farage of getting his numbers "billions out," claiming prison places would cost £40,000 each rather than Farage's estimated £25,000.

Labour Party chairwoman Ellie Reeves said Reform MPs had voted against the Labour government's landmark Crime and Policing Bill which tackles antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, violence against women and girls, knife crime, and child abuse".

Speaking to residents across Farage's own Clacton constituency, there was general agreement that something needs to be done about prison overcrowding and foreign criminals, but significant scepticism about whether the expensive plans are realistic.

David Donoghue (Image: Newsquest Reporter) David Donoghue, 72, a retired resident, offered strong support.

He said: "Building new prisons would definitely help because the prisons are currently very overcrowded. And sending the foreign prisoners abroad would be the right thing to do.

"I do think it's worth the money. It's a good proposal and I hope it can be worked out."

David Fougler (Image: Newsquest Reporter) However, David Foulger, 73, retired, living in Holland-on-sea said: "I think sending foreign prisoners back to their countries would be a good idea.

"But I think it's a large cost to incur. It's too much. I am not sure it will be feasible to execute."

Steven Richard Ingram (Image: Newsquest Reporter) Steven Richard Ingram, 67, of Westcliff Court, praised the approach.

"I think it's a good idea," he said. "It would clear up prison spaces and Nigel's ideas are just about refining the old principles for today. I hope he does execute this new bill."

But even supporters acknowledged practical challenges.

Terrence Edward Green (Image: Newsquest Reporter) Terrence Edward Green, 88, who lives on the seafront, said: "I think if there's trouble housing the prisoners, they have to send them back to where they came from.

"We are a small island and we are overrun. It's not a bad idea but I doubt it would be possible to execute. I don't know the financial situation of the British government but this does seem to be a huge cost."

Averil Mann (Image: Newsquest Reporter) Retired teacher Averil Mann, 78, from Holland-on-Sea, supported the principle but questioned priorities.

"I think foreign criminals should go back when it's a serious crime," she said.

"I think I understand where he is coming from, but I am not sure it will work. I think it's too expensive, and there are other things that need that money to go into more urgently."

John Butler and Jennifer Graham (Image: Newsquest Reporter) John Butler, 65 and Jennifer Graham, 75, of Flatford Drive, Clacton, said: "We think that will not happen. It's a proposal that can't work. It isn't a good idea.

"Something has to be done, yes, about cutting down crime, but this is just too expensive."