Immigrants should only be eligible to apply for British citizenship after residing in the UK for 15 years instead of the current six, according to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
In one of her first policy announcements as leader, Badenoch also proposed that indefinite leave to remain (ILR) should be denied to individuals with criminal records or those who have claimed benefits or social housing.
Speaking to the BBC, she emphasized that citizenship is a privilege rather than an automatic right and should be reserved for those with a "meaningful connection to the UK."
Labour minister Angela Eagle dismissed the proposal, stating that "after 14 years of shameful Tory failure, no one will take seriously anything they claim."
Indefinite leave to remain grants individuals the right to live, work, and study in the UK.
Currently, individuals can typically apply for ILR after five years of working in the UK, though some visa routes allow applications after two or three years. Once granted ILR, a person can apply for British citizenship after 12 months.
The Conservatives propose extending the ILR qualification period from five to ten years, followed by an additional five-year wait before applying for citizenship.
They are urging the government to implement these changes retroactively to 2021 by amending the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, set for debate in Parliament next week.
Badenoch argued that the existing rules have created a "conveyor belt" to citizenship, allowing too many people to acquire it too quickly, which, she claimed, places a strain on public services.
"We need to ensure that those coming here have a genuine, meaningful connection to the UK—no criminal records, a net contribution to the economy rather than reliance on benefits, and a commitment to our country and communities," she said.
While she believes this policy would reduce numbers, she did not specify by how much.
Last year, shortly after becoming leader, Badenoch admitted her party had mishandled immigration during its time in government, which saw net migration reach a record high of 906,000.
She has advocated for a hard cap on migration but declined to suggest a specific figure, arguing that it should be adaptable based on circumstances.
When asked if her stance was a reaction to the growing popularity of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, Badenoch responded that the Conservatives must "rebuild trust with the public," adding that it is natural for voters to turn to "the protest party."
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