Kemi Badenoch was interrupted by climate change protesters during her speech at the Margaret Thatcher Conference, who criticized Thatcher’s legacy. In response, Badenoch defended Thatcher’s impact and articulated her plans for the Conservative Party. Andrew Griffith made comments regarding the party’s economic strategies, advocating for a focus on G20 comparisons.
During a keynote address at the Margaret Thatcher Conference, Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, faced interruptions from two climate change protestors. The demonstrators, who were removed from London’s Guildhall, criticized Badenoch’s praise of Thatcher, claiming that the former prime minister’s policies contributed to climate change and wealth inequality.
The first protestor, shortly after Badenoch began speaking, questioned how attendees could celebrate Thatcher. This individual unfurled a banner while accusing the Conservative Party of being responsible for the current wealth distribution issues. The protestor was swiftly taken down from her chair by staff of the Centre for Policy Studies, the think tank hosting the event.
Badenoch responded calmly, stating, “I didn’t actually hear anything she said,” and suggested that the protestor’s actions indicate ongoing fear of Thatcher’s legacy. A second protestor attempted to voice similar sentiments but was also escorted out. The group behind the protests, Climate Resistance, accused the Conservative Party of allowing extreme wealth accumulation which they claim exacerbates the climate crisis.
The second protestor stated their disdain for the event, asserting that it was shameful to honor Thatcher, as her policies reportedly led to the present socioeconomic crises. Badenoch defended Thatcher’s legacy, emphasizing her role as Britain’s first female prime minister and insisting that attributing all blame to Thatcher reflects a persistent leftist narrative.
In her speech, Badenoch conveyed a strong message about the Conservative Party’s future direction, declaring that true progress involves empowering individuals rather than expanding state control. She asserted that, like Thatcher, she aspires to rebuild the country and party while firmly distancing the Conservatives from negative influences.
Furthermore, Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, contributed to the post-conference discussions by emphasizing the need for the Conservative Party to reclaim its identity as the party of enterprise. He highlighted the importance of facing economic challenges honestly and critiqued the tendency to compare the UK with G7 nations. Instead, Griffith suggested focusing on G20 as a benchmark for economic growth.
The article highlights Kemi Badenoch’s encounter with climate change protesters during a speech honoring Margaret Thatcher. The protestors critiqued Thatcher’s legacy, citing wealth inequality and environmental concerns. Badenoch defended Thatcher’s contributions and asserted a vision for the Conservative Party’s renewal. Ultimately, the article underscores the tension between differing political ideologies and the ongoing discourse surrounding economic policies in the UK.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
