UK citizenship applications surge as Reform vows settlement crackdown

A surge in UK citizenship applications has been reported in early 2026 amid political uncertainty over immigration policies proposed by the Reform party. Reform’s pledged crackdown on settlement rights has prompted thousands of long-term residents, including EU nationals and skilled workers, to accelerate naturalization efforts to secure their status. Government data shows a 40% year-on-year increase in applications, with processing backlogs extending to 12+ months due to unprecedented demand and staffing shortages. Legal experts warn the rush could overwhelm Home Office systems, delaying approvals and leaving applicants in limbo as election-year rhetoric intensifies. Analysts link the trend to broader post-Brexit anxieties, with non-UK nationals prioritizing citizenship to avoid future policy shifts under a potential Reform-led government.