Kemi Badenoch fires fresh shot on migrants as Nigerians watch closely

UK Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has called for tough new measures to clamp down on asylum seekers who work illegally, insisting they should be “on the next plane home.”

Badenoch said any asylum seeker caught breaking the law by working without approval should have their claims automatically rejected and face immediate deportation.

The Tory leader’s statement comes amid growing concern that some migrants staying in asylum hotels across the UK are earning money through food delivery platforms such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats.

“Asylum is meant for those fleeing genuine persecution—not for those looking to game the system,” Badenoch said. “If you enter the UK illegally, abuse our asylum process, and then break the law by working illegally, your claim should be rejected outright.”

Although asylum seekers in the UK are not allowed to work, they can apply for permission after waiting 12 months without a decision on their application. However, recent reports suggest that some are bypassing this process by working informally—especially as delivery riders.

The UK Home Office has already struck a deal with major food delivery companies to help identify riders who are working illegally. As part of the agreement, the government will share the locations of asylum hotels with these platforms.

But Badenoch, backed by the shadow home secretary Chris Philp, believes more aggressive action is needed.

“Illegal working rewards law-breaking, shields those who exploit the system, and insults hard-working British taxpayers,” Badenoch said. “Under my leadership, the Conservatives will never let Britain become a soft touch.”

Philp claimed he personally witnessed delivery riders gathering near an asylum hotel and described the situation as “an underground courier cartel operating in plain sight.”

“Illegal working is a pull factor used by smugglers to sell the UK as a destination,” Philp said. “We’re demanding stronger action: anyone who breaks the rules should lose their asylum status, have any earnings confiscated, and be deported.”

Meanwhile, current Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said illegal employment undermines legitimate businesses and puts vulnerable people at risk.

Cooper defended the Home Office’s partnership with delivery apps, describing it as “decisive action to close loopholes and increase enforcement.” She also said raids and arrests linked to illegal working have gone up by 50 per cent.

The debate over asylum policies remains heated, with the government under pressure to control rising numbers of Channel crossings and tighten enforcement around immigration rules.