Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has vowed to implement tougher immigration policies, warning that the UK can no longer sustain its current levels of migration.
Speaking on Tuesday, Badenoch acknowledged past failures by Conservative governments to curb migration effectively but promised decisive action to address the issue “without fear.”
Badenoch proposed an annual cap on legal immigration, though she refrained from specifying a figure. She also assured that the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) would not obstruct necessary reforms.
“Immigration is at a pace too fast to maintain public services,” she said. “For decades, the political class has presided over mass migration… The system that replaced free movement is not working.”
The Conservative leader emphasized the need for integration, insisting that migrants must adopt British values.
“Without a shared national identity, our country will suffer,” Badenoch said, highlighting how unchecked migration has strained housing, healthcare, and wages.
Badenoch pledged a comprehensive review of policies, treaties, and laws governing migration, emphasizing the importance of transparency and stricter visa limits.
She also hinted at reforms aimed at closing legal loopholes and preventing misuse of the system.
Her comments come as new migration figures, expected to be released tomorrow, are projected to show a decline in numbers. However, Badenoch cautioned against complacency, stating, “We can no longer be naïve.”
