Conservative response to foreign nationals claiming universal credit statistics

Chris Philp MP, Shadow Home Secretary, said:

“These are staggering figures and are clear proof that the Labour government has lost control of our welfare system.”

“Under Kemi Badenoch, we've set out a clear, common-sense position. Universal Credit should be reserved for UK citizens only. This is about fairness, responsibility and protecting support for those who've contributed to this country.”

“We're calling on Keir Starmer to stop the drift and take action. British taxpayers should not be working hard to subsidise immigrants many of whom have only recently arrived. Taxpayers deserve a system that prioritises them, not one that continues to fund an unsustainable open-door policy.''

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Households with at least one foreign national are claiming over £1 billion a month in benefits. Households with at least one claimant who is a foreigner received £941 million in March his year, up from £461 million year-on-year (The Daily Mail, 31 May 2025, link).

There are almost 100,000 more non-UK nationals claiming Universal Credit than when the Labour Government took office.

(DWP, Number of People on Universal Credit by Immigration Status, 15 July 2025, link).