UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch rejects PM Keir Starmer’s claim, saying she criticises him, not the country, while pledging to boost UK energy independence.
As reported by the Standard, Kemi Badenoch dismissed Sir Keir Starmer’s accusation, insisting she and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage are not “talking the country down.”
Kemi Badenoch’s views on talking down the country
Kemi Badenoch said the Tories are targeting the Prime Minister, not the nation as a whole.
She told reporters,
“We’re not talking the country down, I am talking Keir Starmer down because he is doing a terrible job, and everyone can see that.”
Ms Badenoch said,
“What I need to do is show people the Conservative Party has changed. There were mistakes made by the previous Conservative government. I am changing policy, like I’ve done with net zero.”
What did Kemi Badenoch say about net zero and North Sea oil?
Kemi Badenoch has committed the Conservatives to maximising North Sea oil and gas production, with details of her plans to be announced in a speech in Aberdeen.
She will use her speech to announce a full overhaul of the North Sea Transition Authority, the body responsible for issuing licences. The revamp will remove the word ‘transition’ from its name and give it a clear mandate to maximise fossil fuel extraction.
The Tory leader reiterated on Monday that current net-zero targets are ‘impossible’ to achieve, adding that the Conservative Party “needs to show that it is on the side of the people of this country.”
Ms Badenoch added,
“Net zero, as it currently stands, is impossible. We cannot bankrupt our country. We need to get our energy out of the ground rather than importing oil from Norway, who are drilling in the same basin – that’s not doing anything for the environment.”
Keir Starmer’s stance on Reform, Tories, and national renewal
Sir Keir Starmer condemned “scaremongering” by Reform and the Tory Party, pledging his government will make people “feel better off and more secure” as MPs return to Westminster.
He vowed to take action, aiming to respond to a summer marked by asylum seeker protests and a rise in small boat crossings, which have affected Labour’s poll ratings.
Mr Starmer said,
“While Reform and the Tories talk down the country at every turn, we’re doing the work to make people’s lives better. I’m not interested in scaremongering from the sidelines. I’m rolling up my sleeves to deliver change that makes a difference to you and your family.”
The Prime Minister warned that working people are bearing the cost of Conservative failures in housing, transport, energy, infrastructure, and skills training.
He argued,
“We’re improving transport infrastructure and building new homes across the country. We’re investing in the future, with new technology, skills training and good, well-paid jobs.”
Mr Starmer added,
“Renewing Britain will take the skills and talents of everyone in the country, so we are determined to unlock potential and talent, whatever someone’s background or upbringing. With this government, our drive to deliver national renewal will make every person feel better off and more secure.”
What did Kemi Badenoch say about protests over asylum hotels?
Kemi Badenoch said she continues to support people’s right to protest against asylum hotels.
She stated,
“Of course, I support people’s right to protest. I have been in Epping and the people I saw were everyday mum and dads who live in the community, who are very worried about their safety and about their children’s safety. They have a legitimate right to protest.”
Ms Badenoch added,
“What’s causing the problem is people from outside the community, from all parts of the political spectrum, who like to agitate and create additional problems. That’s where we want to see the police tracking them.”
YouGov survey about UK voter optimism
Reform UK voters are the most optimistic, with 55% seeing a very positive impact. Labour voters are less confident, with 22% rating a very positive difference.
Conservative supporters show 28% very positive and 52% fairly positive. The survey highlights differences in voter confidence across parties.