Kemi Badenoch has sharply criticised the Labour government’s stance on illegal immigration, pledging a tougher line under Conservative leadership.
Speaking amid growing political debate over border control, the Conservative Party leader accused Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of weakening UK border policy by dismantling the controversial Rwanda deportation scheme.
Kemi Badenoch
If Keir Starmer was serious about controlling our borders he wouldn’t have scrapped the Rwanda Scheme. @Conservatives will deport anyone who arrives here illegally and have the toughest plan of any party to get a grip of immigration.
“We will deport anyone who arrives here illegally,” Badenoch declared. “Scrapping the Rwanda scheme sends the wrong message to those abusing our asylum system and plays into the hands of criminal gangs exploiting the vulnerable.”
Keir Starmer
I will use every tool at my disposal to secure our borders. We are investing in our Border Security Command, extra officers and new technology to smash the gangs putting lives at risk in the Channel. That’s my Plan for Change in action.
The Labour government officially ended the Rwanda plan earlier this month, calling it “ineffective and unworkable”. In its place, Starmer has pledged “stronger enforcement at home and deeper cooperation abroad” to curb irregular migration.
Badenoch, however, argues the new approach is insufficient. “While Labour issues press releases, we will take action. The public expects borders to be protected—not excuses from ministers too afraid to act.”
The remarks come amid record Channel crossings and rising political pressure for decisive measures to manage immigration.
Badenoch also hinted at a broader crackdown on illegal migration routes, saying the Conservatives would introduce “tougher enforcement, faster removals, and real deterrents”.
No response has yet been issued by Downing Street.
