'Britain Is Being Mugged': Tory Minister Slams 'Broken' Asylum System, Says UK Can't Be Home for Everyone

On 6 June 2025, Kemi Badenoch delivered a blistering critique of Britain's asylum system during a keynote speech at the Royal United Services Institute in London. Describing the situation as a national crisis, the Conservative leader declared that the UK is being 'mugged' by unregulated migration and warned that the current asylum process is 'broken beyond repair'.

Badenoch placed blame on years of weak border enforcement and legal loopholes that, in her view, have left the country unable to manage immigration in line with national priorities. 'Britain cannot be home for everyone,' she said, vowing to rebuild the asylum framework from the ground up.

Strong Words, Stronger Intentions

Her tone was unapologetically firm. In one of the most controversial moments, Badenoch drew comparisons to the travel bans introduced by former US President Donald Trump, suggesting that in extreme cases, the UK might consider similar measures in the name of public safety.

She also announced the formation of a new legal commission led by Lord Wolfson. Its remit will be to examine the UK's legal obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which Badenoch claimed is regularly exploited to block deportations under Article 8, the right to family life.

Fixing the Framework, Not Just the Border

Badenoch stressed that the problem lies not only with those arriving illegally, but with the broader legal architecture enabling prolonged appeals. She argued that human traffickers and failed asylum seekers are using the system against itself, turning delays and legal protections into de facto permissions to remain.

Following the collapse of the Rwanda deportation scheme, she confirmed that alternative third-country processing options are being explored. No specific countries were named, but she made clear that the goal is to intercept asylum claims before individuals can enter the UK and become long-term liabilities.

A Political Strategy Ahead of the General Election

With a general election on the horizon and the Conservatives trailing Labour in national polls, the renewed focus on immigration is widely seen as a strategic move to galvanise the party's base. Voters concerned with border control and national security remain a key demographic for the Tories.

However, the strategy carries political risks. Labour immediately condemned the ECHR review as reckless, warning that any withdrawal could undermine the Good Friday Agreement and damage the UK's international standing. Legal experts also raised concerns about the feasibility of pushing such reforms through Parliament and the courts.

Reaction Split Across the Nation

Badenoch's speech has triggered a sharp divide in public and political opinion. Human rights advocates have accused her of stoking fear and shifting the narrative away from compassion. They argue that portraying migration as a threat erodes the UK's legacy as a refuge for those fleeing persecution.

On the other hand, Badenoch appears to be striking a chord with voters outside major cities. A rise in small boat crossings and severe asylum backlogs have generated frustration nationwide. For many, the appeal of a tougher stance lies in its simplicity: restore control, shorten timelines, and enforce outcomes.

Immigration Back at the Forefront

The upcoming Conservative Party conference in October is expected to be a turning point. Party members will debate the future of the UK's immigration laws, including whether a full departure from the ECHR is viable or desirable.

What is clear is that immigration has returned to the centre of British politics. As Badenoch positions herself as the voice of decisive reform, her proposals may mark the start of a wider and more polarised national debate about borders, law, and the meaning of sanctuary.