Labour is facing significant criticism from the left after introducing new rules that prevent illegal immigrants from gaining British citizenship, even if they have refugee status or leave to remain. The Home Office quietly implemented these changes, which state that applicants who “previously entered the UK illegally” will “normally be refused” citizenship, regardless of their current legal status.
The updated guidance on the “good character requirement,” which came into effect on Monday, also stipulates that applicants will be denied citizenship if they make what the government deems a “dangerous journey,” including arriving by dinghy or hidden in a lorry. This shift comes shortly after new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called on Labour to “slow down the track for citizenship” and to emphasize that obtaining a UK passport should be a “privilege, not an automatic right”, reported by the Daily Mail.
Badenoch’s first major policy proposal includes doubling the length of time migrants must wait before they can apply for indefinite leave to remain, extending it to 10 years. Additionally, residency would be denied to those who claim benefits. The Tories have also pushed for a ban on illegal immigrants obtaining citizenship to be enshrined in primary legislation, which is more difficult to challenge than guidance, which can be altered more easily.
The shift in Labour’s stance has drawn sharp criticism from left-wing figures. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated: “Just days ago, Labour claimed changes to border rules were ‘unworkable.’ But now they’re dancing to our tune with a change in the position they have been forced into.” He also emphasized the Conservative Party’s new leadership and their commitment to stricter border controls, including a cap on visa numbers.
Labour’s updated policy has been seen by many as an attempt to shift rightward in response to growing support for Nigel Farage’s Reform Party. Corbynite MP John McDonnell accused the government of denying asylum seekers citizenship to “pander to Reform,” while refugee campaigner Zoe Gardner called the move a “cynical” appeal to “anti-migrant voters.”
Labour backbencher Stella Creasy also criticized the policy, claiming that it would prevent figures like Paddington Bear from receiving British citizenship. “This change is counterproductive to the message we want to send about being proud of our country and the role that it has played in supporting those fleeing persecution,” Creasy said. “This is about people who are here, who are part of our communities.”
The ongoing debate over immigration policy highlights the growing tension within UK politics over how to handle asylum seekers and illegal immigration.
