Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed a new law requiring immigrants to wait ten years before becoming eligible for social benefits or applying for a British passport.In a recent article published by the *Daily Mail*, the UK politician, who was born to Nigerian parents, called on the government to restrict access to welfare benefits for immigrants until they have lived in the country for a decade.
In her piece, Badenoch emphasized the need to address both legal and illegal immigration, framing the issue as a matter of fairness. She argued that the current system disproportionately favors individuals who break the rules, while law-abiding citizens are left to bear the cost.
She noted that public attention is often focused on the billions spent housing asylum seekers in hotels, but less attention is given to how low-paid immigrants and refugees can qualify for “indefinite leave to remain” after just five years. That status grants access to state support such as social housing and Universal Credit, regardless of their tax contributions.Badenoch criticized this policy, saying it undermines citizens who have worked and paid into the system, calling it “fundamentally unfair” and in need of urgent reform.
She also referenced the recent defeat of a proposed Deportation Bill by the Labour Government. The bill aimed to implement stricter immigration controls, including a ten-year wait to claim benefits or apply for citizenship, a ban on indefinite leave to remain for anyone who had claimed benefits, and the power to revoke settled status for those convicted of crimes. The proposal, however, was blocked, following a pattern of previous failed attempts to implement stricter immigration measures. Badenoch pointed to ongoing legal challenges—labelled as “lawfare”—that have obstructed policies such as the plan to deport offenders to Rwanda and welfare reforms suggested by former Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride. She argued that these legal challenges delay necessary action and erode public confidence in democratic processes.
In response, a commission led by Lord Wolfson KC and shadow solicitor general Helen Grant has been established to examine whether the UK can enact key reforms—including tighter border control and benefit restrictions—while remaining a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Badenoch stated that if the commission finds these reforms incompatible with the ECHR, the UK may need to consider withdrawing from the agreement. She added that such a move would be carefully managed to ensure human rights protections remain intact. She concluded by warning against allowing lawfare to weaken the country, stressing the importance of upholding British values, protecting democracy, and putting the interests of citizens first.
Source: https://m.lindaikejisblog.com/
