Kemi Badenoch has revealed that, if the Conservatives return to power, she is considering implementing a new cap on visas and revising the UK’s immigration policies. In her first policy address since becoming party leader, she acknowledged that previous Conservative governments had failed to meet their promises on immigration control.
Speaking at a press conference in Westminster, Badenoch outlined plans to create a new framework for immigration that would include a review of existing policies, treaties, and legal structures—particularly the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act. She hinted that withdrawing from certain human rights laws might not be the most drastic measure her government could take to curb immigration.
Badenoch did not provide specific details on the proposed visa cap but suggested that any new system would focus on admitting individuals who can make a “substantial and clear” contribution to the UK. This would be part of a broader effort to ensure immigration numbers are kept under control.
Alongside Chris Philp, the new shadow home secretary, Badenoch spoke on the eve of the release of Home Office figures, which are expected to show a decline in overall migration. When asked why she did not disclose the exact number for the proposed visa cap, Badenoch explained that she wanted to ensure a detailed plan was in place before making such a commitment.
Under previous Conservative governments, including those of David Cameron, Theresa May, and Rishi Sunak, attempts have been made to limit visas. However, immigration numbers in 2023 were about three times higher than in 2019, when the Tories won the general election with a promise to reduce migration.
Badenoch also took a swipe at Labour leader Keir Starmer’s legal background, saying, “I’m not somebody who just talks. I’m not a lawyer. I’m an engineer. Before we say things, we need a proper plan in place to implement the cap.”
Recent statistics show that more than 300,000 work visas were issued in the year ending March 2024, more than double the number granted in 2019. Badenoch acknowledged that the immigration system set up by previous Conservative administrations had not delivered on promises to reduce numbers. “We promised to bring numbers down, but we did not deliver,” she said. “We ended free movement, but the system that replaced it isn’t working.”
Badenoch also confirmed that the Conservatives are still considering the option of deporting people who arrive in the UK by small boats, but stopped short of fully endorsing the £370 million Rwanda immigration plan. “We don’t know where we’ll be in four years’ time,” she said, adding that there could be changes in what the Rwandan government offers. “But we still need a deterrent.”
In response to Badenoch’s comments, Home Office minister Angela Eagle criticized the Conservatives’ record on immigration. “It’s welcome that the Tories finally admit immigration spiralled out of control under their watch,” she said. “But Kemi Badenoch offers no new solutions or alternatives to her party’s failed policies.”
Eagle also condemned the £370 million Rwanda deal as a waste of taxpayer money and claimed the Tories had learned nothing from their past mistakes. “Labour is working to tackle the foundations of the Tories’ immigration chaos,” she said. “Our new Border Security Command is cooperating with European partners to dismantle criminal gang networks behind small boat crossings, and we’re ramping up efforts to remove people who have no right to be in the UK.”
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