UK Conservative Party leader and Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has put forward a bold proposal to overhaul the country’s immigration and welfare systems, suggesting that immigrants should wait 10 years before becoming eligible for government benefits or applying for British citizenship.
In a newly published article for Daily Mail, Badenoch, who is of Nigerian descent, argued that both legal and illegal immigration must be tackled more aggressively, calling the current system unfair to law-abiding British citizens.
“Britain increasingly appears to favour those who break the rules,” she wrote. “Meanwhile, those who work hard and follow the law are left to cover the cost.”
Badenoch criticized the existing policy that allows low-paid immigrants and refugees to gain indefinite leave to remain after five years, giving them access to Universal Credit and social housing regardless of tax contributions.
Key Proposals in the Blocked Deportation Bill:
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Extend the benefits and citizenship eligibility period from 5 to 10 years
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Block indefinite leave to remain for anyone who has claimed benefits
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Enable revocation of settled status for convicted criminals
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Set strict immigration caps
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Revive deportation plans for offenders, including to countries like Rwanda
Badenoch lamented the consistent legal blockades—which she termed “lawfare”—that have prevented enforcement of similar policies, stalling reforms and frustrating public trust.
A new commission, led by Lord Wolfson KC and shadow solicitor general Helen Grant, is now examining whether the UK can legally implement such reforms while remaining in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Badenoch hinted that withdrawing from the ECHR may become necessary if reforms continue to be thwarted.
“The greater danger lies in allowing lawfare to weaken the nation—making it less fair, less safe, and less democratic,” she warned.
The proposal has sparked renewed debate over immigration, welfare access, and the role of international law in shaping UK domestic policy—just months ahead of the next general election.
