A disagreement over immigration policy has emerged between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick, two prominent figures in the Conservative Party. The dispute centers on the relative importance of cultural factors versus numerical limits in shaping the UK's approach to immigration.
Badenoch, who previously served as Secretary of State for Business and Trade, emphasized the significance of cultural considerations in determining who should be permitted to enter the UK. In a piece for The Telegraph, she argued that not all cultures are equally compatible with British values, a stance that has sparked controversy.
In contrast, Jenrick, former Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, stressed the importance of capping net migration. He advocates for reducing annual net migration to the tens of thousands or lower, highlighting a focus on numerical targets.
The clash between these two potential Conservative leadership contenders occurred during the party's annual conference in Birmingham, the UK's second-largest city. This event traditionally serves as a platform for policy debates and party unity, making the public disagreement particularly noteworthy.
The UK's immigration policy has been a contentious issue for decades, with the Conservative Party repeatedly pledging to reduce net migration in election manifestos. The introduction of a points-based immigration system in 2021 marked a significant shift in the country's approach, particularly in the post-Brexit era.
Badenoch argued that cultural factors are crucial for successful integration, stating, "We cannot be naive and assume immigrants will automatically abandon ancestral ethnic hostilities at the border, or that all cultures are equally valid." She emphasized the need for leadership in addressing integration challenges, drawing from her personal experiences growing up in a diverse environment.
Jenrick, while acknowledging the importance of culture for integration, maintained that numerical limits are essential. He criticized Badenoch's approach, saying, "Just saying 'I'll have a plan in a few years' time' is a recipe for in-fighting and for losing the public's trust."
The debate reflects broader discussions about the UK's ethnic diversity, which has increased significantly since the 1950s. It also touches on the concept of "British values," introduced in schools in 2014, and the country's history of multiculturalism policies dating back to the 1960s.
"We are not a dormitory. This is our home. People from all around the world just living here in their little bubbles and little groups is a recipe for disaster."
The disagreement between Badenoch and Jenrick also extends to the economic impact of immigration. Jenrick challenged the notion that mass migration has enriched the country, citing figures showing 5.9 million legal immigrants in the 25 years since Tony Blair became prime minister, compared to just 59,000 in the previous 25 years.
This debate occurs against the backdrop of record-high net migration, which reached 606,000 in 2022. The UK government has set integration strategies to promote social cohesion, while the Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination based on various characteristics, including race and religion.
As the Conservative Party grapples with these complex issues, the clash between Badenoch and Jenrick underscores the ongoing tensions within the party regarding immigration policy. The outcome of this debate could significantly influence the UK's future approach to immigration and integration.