UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government to adopt her party’s deportation bill to reduce immigration. In a video posted on her X handle, Ms. Badenoch warned that approximately two million immigrants could automatically claim British citizenship by next year.
“From next year, two million immigrants could automatically claim British citizenship. That’s nearly twice the population of Birmingham,” Ms. Badenoch stated. The Conservative Party has introduced a deportation bill aimed at bringing down immigration, which includes provisions for:
- Deportation of Foreign Criminals: Removing all foreign nationals convicted of crimes and sentenced to imprisonment
- Mandatory Age Checks: Implementing stricter age verification processes
- Tougher Visa Rules: Strengthening visa requirements to prevent abuse
- Disabling Human Rights Act: Limiting the application of human rights law in immigration cases
- Repayable Asylum Support: Requiring asylum seekers to repay support received
- No Permanent Right to Stay: Denying permanent residency to those reliant on benefits
Ms. Badenoch emphasized that until the deportation bill becomes law, the issue won’t be resolved. “Labour should adopt it now. It’s time to get tough. That’s what the Conservatives’ deportation bill delivers. Our country is a home, not a hotel,” she said.
Kemi Badenoch, the current Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition in the UK, has been a vocal advocate for stricter immigration policies. Her proposed deportation bill aims to reduce immigration through several key provisions¹:
- Deportation of Foreign Criminals: Removing foreign nationals convicted of crimes and sentenced to imprisonment
- Mandatory Age Checks: Implementing stricter age verification processes
- Tougher Visa Rules: Strengthening visa requirements to prevent abuse
- Disabling Human Rights Act: Limiting human rights law application in immigration cases
- Repayable Asylum Support: Requiring asylum seekers to repay received support
- No Permanent Right to Stay: Denying permanent residency to those reliant on benefits
Badenoch’s stance on immigration has sparked controversy, reflecting her broader conservative views. Some notable examples include:
- Net Zero Carbon Emissions: She has criticized the target, calling it “ill-thought through”
- Civil Servants: Badenoch joked that up to 10% of civil servants are so bad they should be in prison, sparking backlash from the FDA union
- Kneecap Funding: She refused funding to Belfast-based rappers Kneecap due to their political views, which was later ruled “unlawful and procedurally unfair” by the Belfast High Court
- Gender-Neutral Toilets: Badenoch claimed girls who didn’t use gender-neutral toilets developed urinary tract infections, sparking debate on trans rights
Despite controversy surrounding her views and leadership style, Badenoch has maintained a strong presence within the Conservative Party. However, her popularity has seen fluctuations, with some party members expressing dissatisfaction. Her position as party leader may be precarious given the party’s internal dynamics and shifting public opinion.
As the Leader of the Opposition, Badenoch’s priorities include:
- Holding Labour accountable: She aims to scrutinize the Labour government’s policies and actions
- Preparing for government: Badenoch is positioning the Conservative Party for potential future governance
Badenoch’s background adds another layer to her perspective on immigration. Born in Wimbledon to Nigerian parents, she spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to the UK. This diverse upbringing has shaped her views on identity, culture and politics.