Badenoch Asserts UK is 'In This War' Irrespective of Starmer's Position
Kemi Badenoch has launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, asserting that the United Kingdom is "in this war whether Keir Starmer likes it or not". The Conservative Party leader delivered these remarks during the party's spring conference in Harrogate, accusing the Prime Minister of "sitting on the fence" regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Accusations of Fear and Indecision
In her address, Badenoch claimed that Starmer is "too scared to make foreign interventions" due to fears of alienating a small segment of the electorate. She referenced a recent by-election victory by the Greens, which she said has "spooked" the Labour Party, leading to hesitation in taking a firm stance.
"Everyone remembers the mistakes of the Iraq War, nobody sensible is suggesting that we should drop bombs without a second thought," Badenoch stated. "But Keir Starmer spent days consulting lawyers, plucking up the courage to say whose side he was on. Canada and Australia had the moral clarity to do so immediately and unequivocally. Even now, our Prime Minister is sitting on the fence."
Call for Military Action and Backlash
Badenoch has explicitly called on the government to authorise the Royal Air Force to strike Iran's missile launch sites, a suggestion that Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy indicated might be considered. This follows her controversial comment that UK military forces have been "just hanging around" without taking necessary action in the region.
When questioned on BBC Breakfast about supporting strikes on Iranian bases, she responded, "What else are our jets doing, just hanging around there? They need to be able to see who is attacking us and stop them from firing at British soldiers or even British people in hotels."
Defence Secretary John Healey condemned these remarks, stating they "insult the men and women of our armed forces" and demanding an apology. Recent polling indicates that a majority of the British public prefers a purely defensive stance in the conflict, adding context to the political divide.
Broader Political Criticisms and Policy Pledges
Beyond the Middle East, Badenoch used her speech to criticise other political parties. She dismissed Reform UK as "not serious people" incapable of solving problems, and attacked the Greens for their proposal to "scrap our nuclear deterrent", quipping that their leader only aims to enlarge two unspecified things, neither being the army.
She also mocked the Liberal Democrats, saying, "I have no idea what the Lib Dems think, and I don't think they do either."
On domestic policy, Badenoch reiterated the Conservative pledge to reinstate the two-child benefit cap, redirecting the savings into defence spending. She warned that the Iran conflict could trigger an "oil price shock that will play havoc with the economy", advocating for increased domestic oil and gas drilling as a countermeasure.
The speech underscores deepening political tensions over foreign policy and defence, with Badenoch positioning herself as a decisive leader in contrast to what she portrays as Starmer's cautious and indecisive approach.
