Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, delivered a significant foreign policy speech in London, emphasizing the importance of the UK acting in its national interest, much like the United States. She highlighted that the US, while not an authoritarian regime, shares core Western values with the UK, such as free trade, free enterprise, and free speech. Her comments came ahead of Sir Keir Starmer’s meeting with former US President Donald Trump, where discussions about ending the war in Ukraine are expected to take place. Badenoch acknowledged that the US had recently acted in its own interests by siding with Russia on two UN resolutions related to the Ukraine conflict. She described this move as “realistic” and suggested that the UK should adopt a similar pragmatic approach. However, she also made it clear that the UK disagrees with the US on certain aspects, such as the resolution that avoided labeling Russia as the aggressor or acknowledging Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Badenoch expressed hope that the prime minister would succeed in understanding the US’s reasoning behind these decisions during his talks.
Badenoch stressed the importance of Starmer’s upcoming discussions with Trump, calling it “absolutely critical” for the success of efforts to end the war in Ukraine. She did not specify exactly what Starmer should aim to achieve but noted that the talks would likely focus on Ukraine’s independence, European involvement in peace negotiations, and US security guarantees. However, Trump’s recent statements about Ukraine have sparked controversy, as he referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and suggested that Kyiv was responsible for starting the war. Additionally, Trump has sent US officials to negotiate with Russia in Saudi Arabia, without inviting Ukrainian or European leaders, raising concerns about the direction of international diplomacy.
In her speech, Badenoch also called for significant changes in the UK’s financial priorities, urging Starmer to “repurpose” development aid and make welfare savings to fund increased defence spending. She argued that the current defence budget, set at 2.5% of GDP, is no longer sufficient, as the UK currently spends more on debt interest than on defence. She warned that this imbalance could lead to national weakness and expressed her support for the prime minister in making these difficult decisions. Her comments coincided with the prime minister’s announcement that defence spending would rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next parliament, signaling a shift in the UK’s financial commitments to defence.
Badenoch criticized the West for its inadequate support of Ukraine, arguing that the international community had been “too ineffective, too indecisive, and too often behind the curve” in responding to the conflict. She claimed that this delay had allowed Russian President Vladimir Putin to gain the one thing he needed most: time. As a result, negotiations for the war’s end are now taking place while a significant portion of Ukrainian territory remains under Russian occupation. Despite this, Badenoch expressed pride in the support the UK had provided to Ukraine in the lead-up to the invasion and during the early stages of the war, acknowledging the crucial role the UK played in those critical moments.
She also emphasized the need for the UK to “accept reality” and recognize that the world has changed dramatically in recent years. Badenoch argued that the UK can no longer rely on outdated policies or “vapid statements” that were ambitious 20 years ago but are now irrelevant. She called for a new era of honesty and realism in foreign policy, urging the UK to adapt to the changing global landscape. This sentiment reflects a broader recognition that the UK must reassess its role in international affairs and strengthen its defences to meet the challenges of a shifting world order.
In summary, Kemi Badenoch’s speech underscored the importance of national interest in shaping foreign policy, particularly in light of the US’s recent actions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She called for increased defence spending, financial repurposing, and a more realistic approach to international relations. Her comments also highlighted the challenges facing the UK and the West in responding to global crises and the need for stronger leadership and decisive action. As the UK navigates this complex geopolitical landscape, Badenoch’s message serves as a reminder of the urgent need for adaptability and strength in the face of an uncertain future.
