“We Will Take Back Control of Britain’s Borders,” Says Tory Leader in Pre-Conference Blitz to Outflank Nigel Farage

Kemi Badenoch has unveiled a sweeping new immigration plan that would see up to 150,000 illegal migrants deported from Britain every year, as she positions herself as the uncompromising defender of national sovereignty ahead of her keynote speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester.

In a bold move clearly aimed at reclaiming ground from Nigel Farage and Reform UK, Mrs Badenoch released a detailed seven-part Borders Plan on Sunday night, pledging to “end the migrant crisis once and for all.”

Her proposals include banning asylum claims for all illegal entrants, withdrawing the UK from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and repealing the Human Rights Act — measures designed to remove what she calls “the legal shackles that have tied Britain’s hands for decades.”

Under her plan, all new illegal arrivals would be deported within seven days of landing on British shores. Foreign criminals would also face automatic removal, while key legal challenges — including Immigration Tribunals, Judicial Reviews, and legal aid for immigration cases — would be abolished entirely.

Other measures include signing new returns agreements with safe third countries, backed by visa sanctions for nations refusing to cooperate, and increasing British support to foreign allies to stop illegal migration before it reaches Europe’s borders.

In a foreword co-signed with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, Badenoch said the UK must finally “restore control” of its borders and end the era of “political paralysis and endless legal obstruction.”

“After careful consideration, we have concluded that the only way to protect our country’s borders is to leave the ECHR and repeal the Human Rights Act in a way that is orderly and well thought-out,” the document reads.
“This is only the first step — but it is essential. We must fix the whole broken system and restore control of our borders, while continuing to protect human rights in a way that is faithful to our democratic heritage.”

Mrs Badenoch and Mr Philp also confirmed that a separate plan to cut legal migration — including a strict numerical cap, tougher citizenship requirements, and stricter rules for those with Indefinite Leave to Remain — will be published later this year.

The move marks a significant escalation in the Tory Party’s battle for the right-wing vote, as Badenoch seeks to outflank Farage and reclaim support among voters disillusioned by years of failed immigration promises.

Her supporters see the document as proof that she is “the only leader serious about fixing Britain’s borders.” But critics have already branded the plan “unworkable, reckless, and legally impossible”, warning that withdrawal from the ECHR could trigger a major diplomatic crisis with Europe.

As Badenoch prepares to address party members in Manchester this week, one thing is certain: her Borders Plan has already reignited one of the fiercest debates in modern British politics — how far Britain is willing to go to “take back control.”