Badenoch Questions Jenrick's Migration Cap Promise in Tory Leadership Race

In the ongoing Conservative leadership contest, Kemi Badenoch has cast doubt on Robert Jenrick's promise to implement a migration cap, suggesting it may be a tactic to secure votes rather than a deliverable policy. This criticism highlights the intensifying debate among Tory leadership contenders over immigration policy and the UK's relationship with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Badenoch, who secured 22 votes in the initial round of MP voting, emphasized the importance of earning trust rather than making grandiose promises. She stated, "I agree that there needs to be a cap, because a cap forms part of a plan. What I'm not going to do is start making promises. What I want to do is earn trust."

The migration cap issue has become a focal point in the leadership race. Jenrick, a former Home Office minister, has pledged to leave the ECHR and impose a parliamentary-set migration cap in the "tens of thousands". This approach aligns with historical Conservative targets, reminiscent of David Cameron's 2010 pledge to reduce net migration to this level.

"We have to look at whether the people who are making these promises have actually delivered anything before, or whether they're just people who are saying what they think they need to say to get elected and then do more of the same."

Badenoch's cautious approach reflects a broader debate within the Conservative Party about immigration policy. The UK's net migration peaked at 745,000 in the year ending December 2022, highlighting the challenges faced by successive governments in managing immigration numbers.

Other candidates have taken varying stances on the issue. Tom Tugendhat has committed to a "legally-binding cap on non-British annual net migration of 100,000", while James Cleverly aligns with Badenoch in opposing arbitrary figures.

The leadership contest, occurring approximately 14 years into Conservative governance, comes at a critical time for the party. Badenoch warned that the public "aren't listening" to the Tories, suggesting a need to revisit policy discussions from the previous Parliament.

As the race progresses, candidates must navigate complex issues such as the UK's post-Brexit immigration system and the principle of parliamentary sovereignty. The next round of MP voting, scheduled for the coming Tuesday, will further narrow the field, with one candidate set to be eliminated.

The final stages of the contest will see the remaining candidates present their visions at the Conservative Party Conference, a crucial platform for shaping party policy and direction. The ultimate decision will rest with party members, who will choose between the final two contenders.

This leadership race not only determines the next Conservative leader but also potentially the UK's next Prime Minister, making the stakes particularly high for both the party and the country.