Badenoch dismisses pact with Reform as Tory leader accused of reheating old migration pledges

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. But as the Tory leader marks 100 days in office, she has also been accused of “reheating old pledges” on migration, with the Labour Party claiming her plan “deserves nothing but ridicule”. open image in gallery Kemi Badenoch said the idea of the Conservative Party signing an electoral pact with Reform UK is “for the birds” Ms Badenoch last week unveiled a number of proposals to tackle migration, including saying that the period before migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain - which paves the way for British citizenship - should be extended from five to 10 years. “Only this Labour government can be trusted with the tough action required to secure our borders.” open image in gallery Reform UK leader Nigel Farage Ms Badenoch’s rejection of an electoral pact came after two former cabinet ministers - Sir Brandon Lewis and Esther McVey – warned Ms Badenoch and Mr Farage’s parties would not be able to defeat Labour unless they agreed to cooperate. The Refugee Council said the government was using “performative” stunts to try to promote division, while former Green Party leader Caroline Lucas said it was “sickening” to see Labour try to appease Reform.