The Conservative Party has called for stricter immigration rules, arguing that immigrants should have to wait at least 15 years before becoming eligible for British citizenship. Party leader Kemi Badenoch has urged the Government to amend its immigration legislation to include these tougher measures, insisting that a UK passport should be earned through “real commitment” rather than granted too easily.
A ‘slower track’ to British citizenship
Speaking on Tuesday, Mrs Badenoch set out her vision for a more rigorous citizenship process, stating:
“The Conservative Party is under new leadership. We’re going to tell the hard truths about immigration. The pace of immigration has been too quick and the numbers coming too high for meaningful integration. We need to slow down the track for citizenship. A UK passport should be a privilege, not an automatic right.”
Under the proposals, the minimum residency period required for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) would be doubled from five years to ten. In addition, those granted ILR would have to wait five years—rather than the current one—before they could apply for citizenship.
Stricter conditions for ILR applicants
The Conservatives are also calling for new conditions to be imposed on ILR applicants. These would include:
- Demonstrating they have never claimed benefits or used social housing.
- Having no criminal record.
- Proving they are a “net contributor” to the UK economy.
Currently, most work visas already contain a “no recourse to public funds” condition, preventing visa holders from claiming benefits or social housing. Additionally, a criminal record can already delay or prevent an individual from obtaining ILR. However, the Conservatives believe a stricter, more uniform approach is necessary.
A tougher stance on immigration
Mrs Badenoch’s announcement signals a clear shift towards a harder stance on immigration, as the Conservatives seek to strengthen their position on border control. The party hopes the new measures will help restore voter confidence after years of public dissatisfaction over immigration policy.
However, when asked in a BBC interview to estimate how much her proposals would reduce immigration numbers, Mrs Badenoch declined to provide a figure, stating only that it was “the right thing to do.”
The announcement comes ahead of next week’s parliamentary debate on the Government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, with the Conservatives urging the Government to amend the bill to incorporate their proposed changes.
Criticism from the Government
Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security, dismissed the Conservatives’ proposals, accusing them of failing to control immigration during their 14 years in power.
“After 14 years of shameful Tory failure, no one will take seriously anything they claim or promise now,” she said.
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“Many of the things they are saying already exist or are the reversal of policies they introduced themselves in recent years, a sign of how chaotic they are. They had 14 years to get a grip of the system and instead they created chaos which Labour is now clearing up.”
The Government has already been tightening immigration rules, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announcing measures to cut net migration. Labour has committed to reforming the immigration system but has criticised the Conservative approach as unrealistic and politically motivated.
Public reaction and future debate
The proposals have sparked significant debate, with supporters arguing that they will ensure that only those who truly contribute to Britain gain citizenship, while critics warn that they could create unnecessary barriers for skilled workers and long-term residents.
With the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill set to be debated next week, the Government will face mounting pressure to clarify its position on these stricter measures. Whether the Conservative Party’s proposals gain traction or remain a political talking point remains to be seen.
