Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK Conservative Party, has pledged to introduce tougher immigration policies, warning that the UK “cannot sustain” the current immigration levels.
The Nigerian-born British politician admitted that previous Conservative governments had failed to curb migration effectively but promised to tackle the issue “without fear” under her leadership.
In a recent speech, Badenoch emphasized that immigration was occurring at a pace too fast to maintain public services, pointing out the strain mass migration has placed on housing, healthcare, and wages.
She criticized the political class for overseeing decades of unchecked migration, claiming that the system replacing free movement was not working.
READ ALSO: Nanny Caught on Camera Abusing Two-Day-Old Baby in California
“We need a new approach,” she stated. “The system is broken, and until we accept that, we are doomed to fail.”
Badenoch argued that rapid immigration has hindered integration and caused divisions within society, warning that without a shared national identity, the UK’s social fabric could unravel.
The Conservative leader pledged to implement a strict numerical cap on immigration, making visas available only for individuals who will make a substantial and clear contribution to the country.
She also promised greater transparency in migration policies, ensuring that the public would have access to detailed data on the costs and benefits of different types of migration.
Badenoch further outlined plans to review all immigration-related policies, treaties, and laws, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act.
She also advocated for a reconsideration of citizenship, making it a privilege that must be earned rather than an automatic right.
READ ALSO: Woman Freed After 13 Years in Prison for Murder She Didn’t Commit
While the UK is expected to see a reduction in net migration figures in the coming months, Badenoch stressed that this was only a first step.
“We must do right by the British people before we consider helping others,” she said.
The Conservative Party plans to release a comprehensive immigration plan before the next election, offering voters a clear choice between Labour’s approach and her party’s vision for a more controlled migration system.