Conservatives UK leader Kemi Badenoch has announced a controversial plan to extend the pathway to British citizenship from 6 to 15 years, requiring immigrants to live in the UK for 10 years before applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and an additional 5 years for citizenship. The policy would also ban ILR eligibility for those with criminal records, benefit claims, or social housing use.
The Key Changes to ILR and Citizenship Requirements
- – Current rules: ILR after 5 years (or 2–3 years on specific visas); citizenship 1 year post-ILR.
- – Proposed rules: ILR after 10 years; citizenship 5 years post-ILR.
- – Backdated to 2021: Changes would apply soon after, if added to the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill (Parliament debate next week).
Badenoch argued the current system acts as a “conveyor belt to citizenship,” straining public services. She emphasized citizenship should require “net economic contribution” (no benefit reliance) and proof of community ties. While claiming the policy would reduce immigration numbers, she declined to specify targets.
Labour Slams Proposal as “Shameful Tory Failure”
Labour minister Angela Eagle dismissed the plan, citing 14 years of Conservative “failure” on immigration after net migration hit 906,000 under Tory leadership. She warned voters would reject “panicked policies” amid rising support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Backlash Over Badenoch’s Proposal
Critics argue retroactively applying rules to 2021 could destabilize immigrants already in the UK. Meanwhile, Badenoch denied the policy was a reaction to Reform UK’s polling surge, but admitted her party must “rebuild trust” with voters seeking stricter borders.
In addition, the proposed changes will face scrutiny during next week’s parliamentary debate. Political analysts say the policy aims to position the Tories as tougher on immigration than Labour ahead of the 2024 general election, despite internal party divisions over Badenoch’s “hard cap” migration stance.
