Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has addressed concerns about Britain’s cultural identity, responding to a GB News viewer who warned of “migrant cities” and the erosion of British traditions.
Whilst acknowledging potential risks, Badenoch rejected the notion that Britain had reached such an extreme point. “I think that’s an extreme situation, we are not there yet but we do have to be careful,” she stated during the interview.
The Opposition leader warned that without proper vigilance, the country could face the scenario described by the viewer. She emphasised the Conservative Party’s commitment to preserving British values and ensuring the nation remains “such an amazing country.”
Badenoch stressed the importance of maintaining policies that protect what makes Britain successful whilst offering hope and opportunity to those who genuinely wish to contribute to British society.
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Kemi Badenoch spoke about Britain’s fabric being ‘erased’
Drawing from her own immigrant heritage, Badenoch made clear distinctions between different types of arrivals to Britain. “I come from an immigrant background and I don’t think we should lump every single person into the same group,” she explained.
She contrasted those who had successfully integrated with individuals arriving illegally via small boats. According to Badenoch, many of the latter were “economic migrants” rather than genuine asylum seekers.
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The Conservative leader characterised some arrivals as opportunistic, claiming they “aren’t really interested in becoming a part of our country but are instead seeing what they can take.”
Her comments come as Britain faces unprecedented migration pressures, with Channel crossings surpassing 25,000 this year at the earliest point since records began in 2018.
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Badenoch joined Dawn Neesom on GB News
Badenoch acknowledged Conservative shortcomings on border control, particularly regarding immigration levels. “There were some things we got wrong, I will always say immigration was far too high,” she admitted.
She suggested Britain’s compassionate approach had been abused, stating: “We have allowed our kindness to be exploited.”
The Conservative leader outlined stringent measures her party would implement, particularly targeting lawbreakers. “We need to get tough and crack down on people breaking our laws and don’t want to be part of our country,” she declared.
Badenoch unveiled an uncompromising stance on criminal deportations. “That’s why we have a policy that if you are a foreign criminal, you will get deported. No ifs, no buts,” she confirmed.
PA | Protesters gather in Epping outside an asylum hotel in July Her remarks coincide with mounting public frustration over migration management, as government figures reveal 48,678 arrivals during Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership.
The migration crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with 898 people arriving on Wednesday alone, pushing 2025’s total beyond 25,436. This represents the fastest accumulation of Channel arrivals in any recorded year.
Population data reveals England and Wales expanded by 706,881 residents in the twelve months to June 2024, with international migration accounting for 98 per cent of this increase. The previous year witnessed an even larger surge of 821,000 people.
Current projections suggest annual boat arrivals could approach 60,000 by year’s end, far exceeding 2022’s previous record of 45,774. The financial burden continues mounting, with 32,000 asylum seekers housed in hotels costing taxpayers £3 billion annually.
These statistics emerge as French authorities face criticism for failing to prevent departures, despite President Macron’s pledges of stricter enforcement.
