As per the latest news reports, the UK is all gearing up for the next general elections, wherein immigration issue has become a crucial point of discussions.
Two leading candidates, former Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, and Shadow Housing Secretary Kemi Badenoch, who will be fighting for the post of Conservative Party leader, and will replace Rishi Sunak, have taken up the immigration issue as the focal point of their campaigns.
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Jenrick has been vocal about his stance on immigration. He is in favour of implementing strict visa restrictions on India, unless the country agrees to repatriate its nationals living illegally in the UK. He expressed his disappointment that despite the existing agreement between the UK and India, the actual number of deportations remains disappointingly low. According to him, India has been a huge beneficiary in this scenario, and that includes 250,000 visas being granted last year, without adequate response in this direction.
Read more: Indian High Commission in Dhaka returns 20,000 passports amid protests and threats
During a media interaction, Jenrick stressed about the need for “severe visa restrictions” and reductions in foreign aid to countries that refuse to accept the return of illegal migrants.As per the reports, his stand on the immigration issue has helped him gain prominence in the leadership race, and has positioned him as a frontrunner.
Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch also focused on the issue of immigration, criticising the cultural tensions that have arisen from recent migration. She mentioned incidents that took place in Leicester following a cricket match between India and Pakistan, where cultural disputes flared up. Badenoch’s remarks highlights her belief that most of the time, certain new arrivals tend to bring divisive views from their home countries, which according to her, should be left behind upon settling in the UK.
She added that it’s quite clear that there are many people who have recently shifted to this country, but are strongly opinionated about their countries of origin. According to her, these people should have no place here. She further stressed about the importance of ensuring that newcomers contribute positively to British society.
As the two candidates compete for the leadership position, they will be facing competition from other contenders too, like former cabinet ministers James Cleverly and Tom Tugendat. According to reports, the said election will conclude with online voting by members of the Conservative Party, and after that a new leader will be announced on November 2.