Kemi Badenoch to do ‘whatever it takes’ to deal with illegal Channel crossings

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kemi Badenoch has promised to do “whatever it takes to deal with the small boats issue” as she pitched controlling immigration at the centre of her campaign for the Tory leadership. The MP for Saffron Walden outlined a focus on property ownership, border control and family as the “first, and best, source of welfare” as herself and the four other contenders still in the contest prepare for the second televised debate to be screened on ITV on Sunday evening. Building confidence in the Government’s ability to control immigration is an important foundation for ensuring a cohesive society.” More than 14,000 migrants have made the 20-mile journey across the Channel so far this year, navigating the world’s busiest shipping lanes from France in small boats like dinghies, provisional Government figures show. Family is the first line of welfare, and strong families reduce the need for a larger state.” Ms Badenoch vowed to “look at how our tax and benefit system can support family life and the joys it brings”, adding: “Coherent, Conservative conviction leadership is what I will bring if you elect me as prime minister.” Her pitch came as leadership frontrunner Rishi Sunak tried to win over Brexiteers by pledging to scrap hundreds of remaining EU laws and regulations if he wins the race.