The UK’s debate over how to handle migration has taken a sharp turn, with senior Tory politician Kemi Badenoch signaling the possibility of introducing tough, US-style travel bans.
Her comments come amid growing frustration in Britain over immigration numbers and the challenges in managing the asylum system.
Kemi Badenoch Hints at Country-Specific Travel Bans
Badenoch suggested that there could be scenarios where the UK might need to stop people arriving entirely from specific countries or states — something resembling the controversial travel bans imposed by former US President Donald Trump.
While she didn’t explicitly back Trump’s sweeping restrictions, she stressed that Parliament should have the power to decide who enters the country and for how long.
She acknowledged that banning arrivals from entire nations is a complex issue but insisted it could be necessary in certain cases.
Human Rights Laws Are Under Scrutiny
In a speech at London’s Royal United Services Institute, Badenoch raised concerns about how human rights laws, particularly the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), are being used to block government action on immigration, crime, housing, and environmental issues.
She argued that instead of protecting citizens, these laws are being “weaponised” against common-sense policies.
Badenoch rejected calls from Council of Europe chief Alain Berset to reform the ECHR, calling such efforts a “lost cause,” and announced plans to create a commission to explore the practicalities of withdrawing from the treaty altogether.
A Commission to Examine Key Legal Treaties
This new commission, chaired by Tory barrister Lord Wolfson, will not only look at the ECHR but also consider whether changes are needed to other important laws like the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, the Equality Act, and the Climate Change Act.
Badenoch also promised new legislation aimed at preventing illegal migrants from claiming asylum in the UK.
She’s even exploring a “Rwanda-style” scheme to deport those crossing the Channel illegally right away — breaking the link between arriving by boat and settling in Britain.
The Asylum System Faces a Crisis
Badenoch painted a grim picture of the UK’s asylum system, saying Britain has “lost control.
” She pointed out that hundreds of thousands of people claiming refugee status have passed through “perfectly safe” neighboring countries before arriving in the UK.
Many receive taxpayer-funded legal aid to fight deportation, often with lawyers devising complex legal arguments to keep them in the country.
Badenoch called the UK asylum system “the world’s softest touch” and contrasted the UK’s high approval rates with countries like Japan, which approved just 2% of applications last year.
Addressing Veterans’ Rights and Lawfare
In addition to immigration reforms, Badenoch vowed to protect military veterans, particularly those who served in Northern Ireland, from repeated legal harassment.
She accused the justice system of allowing terrorists to evade accountability while veterans face constant court battles — a problem she tied to what she calls “lawfare,” the misuse of legal processes for political ends.
France’s New Demand for Cash to Tackle Channel Crossings
Meanwhile, tensions over Channel migrant crossings are escalating as France prepares to ask the UK for millions more pounds to fund new patrols and drone surveillance.
Paris is close to lifting its ban on intercepting migrant boats in shallow waters, a move long requested by London.
But French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to seek additional funding to cover the costs and risks associated with ramped-up enforcement.
Rising Numbers of Channel Crossings Frustrate UK Officials
Despite Britain handing over £800 million to France since 2015 to help police the Channel, the number of small boat arrivals has surged — nearly 15,000 this year, a 42% increase from last year.
On one recent day alone, almost 1,200 migrants made the crossing.
UK officials have expressed frustration after footage showed French police standing by as migrants launched boats.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called it “completely unacceptable” and emphasized that the current French law preventing in-water interceptions is a major obstacle.
New Rules Could Allow French Police to Intercept Boats Near Shore
Under the proposed changes, French authorities would be permitted to stop boats in shallow waters up to 300 meters from the coast, which British officials believe could make a significant difference in stemming the flow of migrants.
This shift could ease some of the pressure on the UK’s asylum system and reduce the dangerous Channel crossings.