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Kemi Badenoch has sparked debate with her assertion that “not all cultures are equally valid” concerning immigration policies to the UK. Her comments come amid a time of heightened focus on the values and integration of immigrants, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions.
The candidate for the Tory leadership has expressed astonishment at the sentiments held by some recent immigrants towards Israel, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful integration strategy that acknowledges that many individuals do not simply relinquish their historical grievances upon arriving in a new country. Badenoch stated, “While their feet may be in the UK, their heads and hearts are still back in their country of origin.”
In her opinion piece for the Telegraph, she argued that the Conservative Party has eroded trust with the public by failing to meet migration reduction promises. “Our country is not a dormitory for people to come here and make money. It is our home,” she emphasized, advocating for immigrants who align with British values and contribute positively to society. “British citizenship is more than having a British passport; it is a commitment to the UK and its people,” she elaborated.
Badenoch is competing against fellow candidates Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat for the leadership position. Each of them will present their proposals at an upcoming conference, which will culminate in a streamlined selection process, with the final decision set to be revealed on 2 November.
In outlining her immigration policy, Badenoch called for a comprehensive approach that begins with defining the type of nation the UK aspires to be. She acknowledged that withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights alone would not resolve immigration challenges, indicating a need for a more robust framework.
During an interview on BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, she further clarified her stance by differentiating between various cultures, suggesting that those in which women have diminished rights are not equally valid. Badenoch highlighted instances in which cultural norms dictate that women should not work or engage independently, expressing her belief that such customs do not align with British values.
Addressing concerns about her remarks, she reiterated that immigration dynamics require careful consideration, particularly in relation to the preservation of national values. In a subsequent interview with Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, she confronted questions about whether her comments were aimed at Muslim immigrants specifically. Badenoch clarified, “It is not all Muslim immigrants… But there are some who buy into Islamist ideology, political Islam, and they do not like Israel. We need to distinguish between these viewpoints.”
When discussing her direct manner of speaking, Badenoch defended her approach, stating that she would respond assertively when faced with opposing views. She also rejected any notion that her Nigerian heritage makes her less suitable for British politics.
In light of ongoing conflicts in the region, Badenoch expressed support for Israel’s actions, suggesting that the recent airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s leadership demonstrate moral clarity in combating threats to the West. She stated, “Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation… removing its leader will create more peace in the Middle East.”
Contrasting her perspective, former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly commented that Israel must act with “professionalism and restraint,” acknowledging the complexities surrounding the Middle East’s political landscape. Meanwhile, Tom Tugendhat called for Iran to de-escalate its tensions with Israel should he ascend to leadership.
Source
www.theguardian.com