Politics · United Kingdom · 1 day ago
Reform UK criticises Maidstone prison over citizenship test study books
Reform UK asked HMP Maidstone in Kent to remove books and practice papers for the Life in the UK citizenship test from its library.
The party said the materials could help foreign prisoners prepare to apply for British citizenship.
Governor Paul Mason refused, saying the library supports education and rehabilitation and that he saw no safety or security concern.
The test is part of the process for becoming a UK citizen, and the article says serving a prison sentence of up to four years does not automatically prevent someone from applying.
Reform spokesman Zia Yusuf criticised the decision and said he would deport every prisoner at Maidstone if he became Home Secretary.
The governor said there is no current policy basis for removing the books.
Reform UK criticised HMP Maidstone after its governor refused to remove Life in the UK Test study books from the prison library.
The books were bought for inmates using taxpayers’ money, according to the Daily Mail.
Reform’s Home Affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, said the books helped foreign prisoners prepare for citizenship applications.
Governor Paul Mason said the library supports education, literacy, personal development and rehabilitation, and that he had no policy basis to remove the materials.
Current citizenship application guidelines do not automatically disqualify someone who has served a prison sentence of up to four years.
- Who
- Reform UK and HMP Maidstone governor Paul Mason.
- What
- Reform asked the prison to remove citizenship test study materials from its library, but Mason refused.
- When
- The dispute was reported on 10 October 2026.
- Where
- HMP Maidstone, Kent, England.
- Why
- Reform said the books could help foreign prisoners prepare for citizenship applications; Mason said there were no security or policy grounds to remove them.
Reform UK
HMP Maidstone governor Paul Mason
Removal of study materials
Reform UK
Reform asked the prison to remove books and practice papers that could help foreign prisoners prepare for the Life in the UK Test and naturalisation.
HMP Maidstone governor Paul Mason
Mason said he found no security, safety, discipline or public protection concerns and had no policy basis to order the books removed.
Purpose of prison library
Reform UK
Zia Yusuf said taxpayers were being made to help foreign criminals gain British citizenship.
HMP Maidstone governor Paul Mason
Mason said prison libraries support education, literacy, personal development and rehabilitation.
I have not identified any security, safety, good order, discipline or public protection concerns arising from the availability of Life in the UK Test study materials within the prison library.
Taxpayers will be shocked to learn they are being forced to help foreign criminals get British citizenship.
the establishment is working against patriotic British people.
Nigel Farage announced plans to send foreign nationals in British jails to El Salvador if Reform came to power.
Reform wrote to governor Paul Mason asking him to remove the citizenship test study materials.
Mason refused, saying he had found no security or policy basis for removing the materials.
The Conservatives announced plans to deport foreign criminals convicted of all but the most minor offences.
- Prison
- HMP Maidstone
- Governor
- Paul Mason
- Study materials
- Life in the UK Test books and practice papers
- Reform spokesman
- Zia Yusuf, Home Affairs spokesman
- Citizenship guideline
- A prison sentence of up to four years does not automatically disqualify an applicant
Sources
Related news
Burnham says Russia interfered in 2016 Brexit vote
Reform UK proposes suspending asylum system for a full parliamentary term
UK Green Party leader calls for changes to party decision-making
Polanski vows to stay as Green leader after by-election loss and party row
Burnham to publish details of past dealings with Manchester City
Labour holds Starmer’s former London seat, defeating Green leader Zack Polanski
Green MP calls for safeguards against extremist influence in party
Downing Street cat Larry recovers at home after minor surgery
M&S chief urges government to cut business costs and boost growth
Kingston market to stay closed for nine days after fire safety inspection
UK plans to ban non-compete clauses for startups and scaleups
