Tory leader's stance on citizenship
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has suggested that migrants should have to reside in the UK for a decade before being eligible for citizenship. Badenoch views citizenship as a privilege that must be earned through a demonstration of "real commitment."
Proposed changes and reasoning
Badenoch aims to extend the residency requirement by amending current legislation before Parliament. She believes that the pace of granting citizenship has been too rapid and the numbers too high, emphasizing the need to slow down the process.
Impact on benefits and housing
Under Badenoch's proposals, individuals seeking citizenship would be prohibited from receiving benefits or relying on social housing while holding a work visa in the UK. This measure is part of a broader effort to reform the immigration system.
Public opinion and government response
A recent poll revealed that 56% of Britons feel that the government's immigration policy is not stringent enough, with only 14% considering it adequate. The Tories have criticized the Home Office for rolling back rules that previously prevented small boat arrivals from obtaining UK citizenship.
Future immigration policies
Badenoch has also pledged to implement a numerical cap on migration numbers, signalling a more restrictive approach to immigration under her leadership.
