Kemi Badenoch claims many migrants crossing the Channel are not ‘refugees’ – what do the figures actually show?
Kemi Badenoch has stated that many migrants arriving in the UK are not genuine refugees, suggesting they exploit the country's perceived leniency. She claims that these individuals view the UK as a 'soft touch' for asylum. However, research indicates that the UK has a stricter asylum process compared to many EU nations, with a significant percentage of illegal arrivals ultimately granted asylum.
- ▪Kemi Badenoch claims that many migrants crossing the Channel are not refugees.
- ▪She argues that these individuals see the UK as a 'soft touch' and exploit its kindness.
- ▪Research shows that the UK has a higher threshold for asylum claims than many EU countries.
- ▪Government data indicates that 61% of those who arrive illegally by boat and apply for asylum are granted it.
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Independent TVShowing now | News02:15Hebe Campbell Saturday 23 May 2026 09:19 BSTBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/refugees-migrant-channel-crossing-numbers-badenoch-b2981210.html","title":"Badenoch says many migrants crossing the Channel are not ‘refugees’"}}Kemi Badenoch claims many migrants crossing the Channel are not ‘refugees’ – what do the figures actually show?Kemi Badenoch has claimed that ”a lot” people arriving in the UK illegally are “not refugees” and instead choose Britain because they see it as a “soft touch."Speaking to LBC, the Conservative leader said: “I…
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