Kemi Badenoch was interrupted by climate change protesters during her speech at the Margaret Thatcher Conference. The demonstrators criticized Thatcher’s economic policies, linking them to current wealth inequality and climate issues. In her response, Badenoch praised Thatcher’s legacy and reiterated the Conservative Party’s commitment to renewal and economic strength. Andrew Griffith also emphasized the need for the party to regain its status as the “party of enterprise.”
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, faced interruptions from climate change protesters while delivering a speech at the Margaret Thatcher Conference, held at London’s Guildhall. The demonstration occurred shortly after she commenced her remarks celebrating Thatcher’s legacy, leading to the protesters being escorted out following their disruptive actions. One activist criticized the wealth inequality linked to Thatcher’s policies, stating, “The unfair distribution of wealth we see in this country and globally, Thatcher’s Tories, your Tories, have been responsible for.”
In response to the first protest, Mrs. Badenoch stated, “I didn’t actually hear anything she said,” suggesting that dissenters remain afraid of Thatcher’s impact. Another protester was also removed from the venue after voicing similar concerns regarding wealth and climate issues. This protest was organized by Climate Resistance, with participants expressing their disdain for Thatcher’s influence on contemporary socio-economic challenges, including climate crisis and poverty.
Mrs. Badenoch reiterated her support for Thatcher, saying, “It just seems to show that the Left still believe [Thatcher] is to blame for everything that is going wrong in their lives.” She emphasized the importance of honoring Thatcher, not only as the first female prime minister but as a leader who sought to revitalize Britain. Badenoch declared that the Conservative Party would focus on strengthening people, stating, “You don’t fix a broken country by making the state bigger” and highlighted the necessity of party renewal.
During the conference’s conclusion, Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, urged the party to reestablish itself as the “party of enterprise”. He emphasized the need for transparency regarding the economy and criticized comparisons to G7 countries, advocating for a perspective shift towards the G20 as a model for growth.
Overall, Badenoch’s speech championed Thatcher’s principles while responding to climate activism and criticism, positioning the Conservative Party towards renewal, economic honesty, and a focus on individual empowerment.
In summary, Kemi Badenoch’s address at the Margaret Thatcher Conference was notably interrupted by climate change activists, which highlights the tension between political leaders and contemporary social movements. Despite the disruptions, Mrs. Badenoch reaffirmed her support for Thatcher’s legacy and presented a vision for the future of the Conservative Party focused on individual empowerment and economic integrity. Andrew Griffith’s comments further outlined a strategic direction for the party, emphasizing the need for a realistic assessment of the UK’s position in the global economy.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
