Kemi Badenoch, a Nigerian-Bristish politician and a leading contender in the Conservative Party leadership race, has stated that immigrants who view Israel as an enemy are “not welcome” in the United Kingdom.
Badenoch made the comments while addressing the backlash from her recent column in The Telegraph, where she emphasized that those moving to Britain should embrace its traditions and values.
Speaking on Sky’s Trevor Phillips on Sunday, Badenoch condemned recent actions in which posters of missing children were torn down due to anti-Israel sentiment. “I don’t think that has any place here,” she said, stressing that such behavior does not align with British values.
However, Badenoch clarified that her remarks do not target the entire Muslim immigrant community. She acknowledged that many Muslims are supportive of Israel, saying, “I’ve met many Muslims who love Israel.”
Badenoch went on to praise Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, calling their actions “extraordinary” after the reported killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike. When asked about whether any moral lines had been crossed in the operation, she maintained that Israel has a right to defend itself, stating, “It’s not about a free pass, but Israel does have a right to defend itself.”
Badenoch reiterated her stance on immigration, saying that those who harbor hostility toward Israel should not be welcomed into the UK.
