Kemi Badenoch, former UK Business and Trade Secretary and frontrunner to succeed Rishi Sunak as Conservative Party leader, claims she opposed the India-UK free trade agreement (FTA) due to Indian demands for increased visa access, as reported by UK media.

Badenoch, currently in a leadership race with former Cabinet member Robert Jenrick, noted that migration-related concessions were a sticking point that prevented the FTA from being finalized under the Sunak administration. As Business Secretary, she maintained a stance against incorporating immigration terms into the agreement.

However, former ministerial colleagues disputed her account, suggesting that Badenoch was keen to secure a deal. One former Cabinet minister mentioned she seemed eager to finalize the FTA to showcase post-Brexit benefits, even overlooking objections raised during negotiations.

A source close to Badenoch denied any suggestion she would have altered UK immigration policies to finalize the deal, claiming India held off on signing in hopes of better terms under a Labour government. Reports suggest that FTA talks may resume under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration, with no specific timeline set after 14 rounds of negotiations.

As Badenoch and Jenrick continue their campaigns, immigration remains a central issue in their bid for party leadership, with Sunak’s successor expected to be announced on November 2.