The United Kingdom has been misled into believing that international law can maintain global peace, according to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
In a speech this Tuesday, Badenoch will call for a major review of the UK’s foreign policy approach, emphasizing that the country should prioritize its national interests above all else.
Badenoch, who recently suggested that the UK may reconsider its position on the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), is set to deliver her speech during a crucial week for international diplomacy. The week is marked by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron visiting Washington, D.C., to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and strengthen ties with the U.S.
Badenoch will argue that the world has dramatically shifted and that the UK is no longer adequately prepared for the challenges of modern crises. In her speech, she will assert that Britain needs to evolve its policies to protect “its borders, its values, and its people.”
“Strengthening Britain must be the principal objective at the heart of everything we do,” Badenoch will say, adding that the UK has been “fooled into believing that international law alone can keep the peace” when dealing with regimes that show “no respect for the law.”
Her comments come just a day after the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Recent developments in peace negotiations have shifted the global conversation, especially after U.S. President Donald Trump initiated talks with Russia, excluding Ukraine from the discussions. Trump has expressed a desire to quickly end the war, claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin is also seeking a deal.
At the same time, tensions have flared between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. Zelensky has accused Trump of assisting Russia in escaping years of international isolation, while Trump has turned his criticism toward Ukraine’s leader, calling him a “dictator” and suggesting that Ukraine initiated the war.
Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Washington later this week to make the case for Ukraine’s direct involvement in peace talks, warning that a peace agreement without strong security assurances for Ukraine could encourage further Russian aggression.
In the wake of these developments, Badenoch is expected to advocate for more investment in the UK’s defense capabilities, arguing that the government must do everything necessary to protect Britain. The Conservatives had previously promised to increase defense spending from 2.3% to 2.5% of GDP by 2030, but Badenoch has recently pressed Labour to go even further.
“There will be painful decisions on government spending,” Badenoch will warn in her speech. “Any country that spends more on interest payments than on defense, as the UK does today, is bound to become weak.”
Badenoch will also reiterate her stance on the role of international courts, particularly the ECHR. She has criticized charities and organizations for using these courts to promote political agendas, often at odds with the government’s priorities. The ECHR has recently been involved in cases halting attempts to deport migrants and granting asylum to families who do not meet the criteria for specific schemes, such as one intended for Ukrainians.
While Badenoch acknowledged during the Conservative leadership election that leaving the ECHR would not be a “silver bullet” for tackling immigration, she stated last week that her party would review both the ECHR and the Human Rights Act.
In response, a Labour spokesperson argued that if Badenoch was truly the “realist” she claims to be, she would apologize to the British public for the damage caused by her government.
“Kemi Badenoch was part of a Conservative government that weakened our armed forces, increased our reliance on Russian energy, and diminished Britain’s global standing,” the spokesperson said. “This Labour government is now addressing the issues left behind by the Tories, focusing on economic stability, national security, and border security through our Plan for Change.”
As the UK navigates a rapidly changing global landscape, Badenoch’s speech signals a shift toward prioritizing British interests and a re-evaluation of longstanding international commitments. The coming months may reveal whether her calls for a more assertive foreign policy strategy will resonate with the public.
Stay tuned to London Pulse News for more updates on UK politics and the latest developments in global diplomacy
