United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ridiculed Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, accusing her of appointing herself as the “saviour of Western civilisation” in an effort to stay relevant in politics.
The heated exchange took place during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, where Badenoch challenged Starmer on foreign aid cuts and defence spending.
Badenoch Claims Credit for Aid Budget Cut
Badenoch, a vocal critic of government spending policies, claimed that Starmer had acted on her advice regarding cuts to the UK’s aid budget.
Badenoch declared, “Over the weekend, I suggested to the prime minister that he cut the aid budget, and I am pleased that he accepted my advice. It’s the fastest response I’ve ever had from the prime minister.”
Her remarks suggested that Starmer had followed her guidance on the issue, positioning herself as an influential figure in policy decisions.
PM Starmer Shuts Down Her Claims
However, Starmer swiftly dismissed her assertions, making it clear that his decisions were not influenced by her input.
Starmer responded, “I’m going to have to let the leader of the opposition down gently. She didn’t feature in my thinking at all. I was so busy over the weekend, I didn’t even see her proposal.”
His remarks humiliated Badenoch, undermining her claim of having shaped government policy.
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Confusion Over Defence Spending
Badenoch also took aim at Starmer’s defence budget, questioning contradictions in the announced figures.
“He announced £13.4 billion of additional defence spending yesterday. This morning, his defence secretary said the uplift is only £6 billion. Which is the correct figure?” she said.
The discrepancy raised concerns about transparency in the government’s spending plans, adding another layer of tension to the debate.
Badenoch’s Political Strategy?
Starmer’s mockery of Badenoch’s self-proclaimed influence suggests he sees her as trying to assert political relevance as the Conservative leader. Since taking charge of the opposition, Badenoch has positioned herself as a champion of traditional conservative values, frequently clashing with Starmer over key policies.
Political analysts believe her latest remarks were an attempt to boost her profile and portray herself as a tough, no-nonsense leader. However, Starmer’s response made it clear that he does not take her influence seriously.
A Growing Political Rivalry
As the UK’s two main political leaders, Starmer and Badenoch’s clashes are expected to intensify in the coming months. With the next general election looming, both will continue to battle for public support and credibility on key issues like defence, the economy, and international relations.
While Badenoch attempts to shape the Conservative Party’s future, Starmer remains focused on governing and delivering on his policy promises—without, as he made clear, taking advice from his political opponents.