UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged to enforce stricter immigration policies, warning that the current pace of migration risks overwhelming public services and undermining social cohesion.
Speaking at Westminster on Wednesday during a speech and Q&A session, Badenoch acknowledged past failures by successive Tory governments to manage immigration effectively. However, she vowed to take decisive action to address the issue.
“Immigration is at a pace too fast to maintain public services,” Badenoch stated.
“For decades, the political class has presided over mass migration… The system that replaced free movement is not working.”
As part of her proposed reforms, Badenoch revealed plans to introduce a hard annual cap on legal immigration, though she did not specify a figure.
She stressed that this measure is crucial to prevent the overflow of public services such as housing, healthcare, and wages.
“Without a shared national identity, our country will suffer,” she warned, highlighting the strain mass migration places on essential services and the labour market.
Badenoch also signalled that the European Convention on Human Rights would not obstruct the UK’s plans to tighten immigration laws. She emphasised the need for immigrants to integrate into British society by adopting its values, fostering a cohesive national identity.
“The priority is integration,” she said.
“Those who come here must embrace British values to build a united and resilient society.”
Badenoch further announced plans to review existing immigration policies, treaties, and laws to close loopholes and prevent abuses of the system. She underlined the importance of transparency and stricter visa regulations as key aspects of her strategy.
Although upcoming migration figures are expected to show a decline, Badenoch urged against complacency.
“We must remain vigilant and proactive. Reforms are necessary to ensure that our immigration system works in the best interest of the British people.”
Badenoch’s remarks mark a significant shift in the UK’s immigration stance, as she positions the Conservative Party to adopt tougher policies aimed at safeguarding public services and fostering national unity.
PUNCH Online reported on November 2 that the former British Business Secretary became the new leader of the Conservative Party, defeating Robert Jenrick in the final round of voting.
Badenoch is the first black woman to lead a major political party in the United Kingdom and takes charge of a Conservative Party reeling from its worst-ever election defeat.
She succeeds Rishi Sunak as leader of the opposition after winning 53,806 votes against Jenrick’s 41,388 in the party’s leadership contest.