The United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, led by Kemi Badenoch, has announced plans to stop foreign nationals, including Nigerians, from accessing social housing if the party returns to power.
The proposal was disclosed by Helen Whately, the party’s shadow work and pensions secretary, in a video shared on X on Friday.
Whately said access to Britain’s social housing system should be based on people demonstrating a commitment to the country through employment, tax contributions and integration.
“Making Britain your home should be earned by working, paying tax and integrating,” she said, adding that the policy would make about 230,000 homes available to British families.
In a separate post, Whately argued that the country’s welfare system should primarily serve British citizens rather than migrants.
She said the Conservatives intended to ensure that social housing resources were prioritised for British people and described the welfare system as a safety net that should not be used as a source of financial support for foreigners.
Badenoch backed Whately’s announcement by reposting the statement on X, signalling her support for the proposed restriction on foreign nationals’ access to social housing.
The Conservative Party’s position comes amid a significant housing shortage in the UK, with about 1.3 million people currently reported to be on social housing waiting lists.
Housing charities have also warned that, given the current pace of construction, it could take many years to clear the backlog of applicants waiting for accommodation.
The proposed policy is therefore likely to fuel further debate over immigration, welfare benefits and the allocation of scarce social housing in Britain.