Kemi Badenoch Proposes 15-Year Wait for UK Citizenship

Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, has proposed significant changes to the UK's immigration policy, suggesting that immigrants should wait 15 years before applying for British citizenship, up from the current six years. She advocates for extending the residency requirement for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) from five to ten years and emphasizes that individuals with criminal records or those who have relied on benefits or social housing should be barred from permanent residency. Badenoch argues that citizenship should be reserved for those who demonstrate a substantial commitment to the UK, framing it as a privilege rather than an automatic right. The Conservative Party aims to introduce these proposals as part of the upcoming Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill. Critics, including Labour minister Angela Eagle, have condemned the proposals as part of a failure in immigration policy over the past 14 years. The proposed changes are set to spark significant political debate as they would require legislative approval for implementation.