Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has proposed that immigrants should only be eligible to apply for British citizenship after residing in the UK for 15 years, instead of the current six-year requirement.
In one of her first policy announcements as leader, Badenoch also stated that indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which leads to citizenship, should be denied to individuals with criminal records or those who have claimed benefits or social housing.
During an interview with the BBC, Badenoch emphasized that citizenship is a privilege, not an automatic right, and should be granted to those with a “meaningful connection to the UK.”
Labour minister Angela Eagle responded critically, saying, “After 14 years of shameful Tory failure, no one will take seriously anything they claim.”
Indefinite leave to remain grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in the UK. Typically, an individual can apply for ILR after working in the UK for five years, or for two or three years if they arrived on specific visas.
Currently, individuals can apply for British citizenship 12 months after being granted ILR.
The Conservatives propose extending the period before an ILR application from five to 10 years, followed by a further five-year wait before seeking citizenship. They intend to implement these changes retroactively to 2021 by amending the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which is due for debate in Parliament next week.
Badenoch argued that the current rules create a “conveyor belt” to citizenship for new arrivals, which she claims puts a strain on public services. She believes that only those with a genuine connection to the UK, no criminal records, and who contribute economically without relying on benefits should be granted citizenship.
She expressed confidence that the policy would reduce numbers, though she did not specify by how much.
Last year, soon after becoming leader, Badenoch admitted her party’s previous immigration policies had been flawed, as net migration rose to a record high of 906,000.
