Kemi Badenoch has travelled to Europe to seek advice from world leaders on how to turn around the UK's stuttering economy. The Conservative leader met with the Italian and Greek governments to see how they turned their previously floundering nations around.
In Rome, Mrs Badenoch sat down with Giorgia Meloni before heading into the Mediterranean to chat with Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Both leaders have faced mounting pressure to see their economies return to growth after the disastrous fallout of the 2008 banking crisis. They have also seen waves of migration from the Middle East and Africa, with rising fears over their border security.
Closer ties under a future Conservative government
The Daily Express understands Mr Mitsotakis and the Tory Chief discussed plans over lunch for a closer relationship under a future Conservative government. Such links would include co-operation on energy, migration controls and international developments in the Middle East.
Mr Mitsotakis has overseen plummeting unemployment in Greece, which has now fallen to the lowest level since 2009. The Hellenic nation has outpaced EU partners in economic growth, even reporting a budget surplus last year while slashing taxes for working Greeks.
Conservatives criticise Labour's approach
Conservatives say Left-wing governments always "hike taxes" to "pay for welfare", which Mrs Badenoch believes creates fewer incentives to work. Her visit comes as Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, is set to welcome the French Premier for a love-in at No. 10 next week.
Mr Macron has enjoyed a close relationship with the Labour government, having spent time with Mr Burnham's predecessor Sir Keir Starmer. It is believed that EU "reset" talks, which would see the United Kingdom cosying up to Brussels ten years after the vote to leave the bloc, are high on the agenda.
Burnham's EU stance under scrutiny
An ardent remainer who last year said he hoped the UK would rejoin the EU, Mr Burnham has pledged "bolder" ties with Brussels. The French President is expected to attend a viewing of the Bayeux Tapestry exhibition at the British Museum, where the 900-year-old artifact is on loan.
A Conservative Party source told the Daily Express that Kemi had been in Europe "talking about how to save Britain’s economy through growth and investment". The source said: "Andy Burnham is already chickening out on making difficult decisions, rowing back on promises and reaching for the public purse." They added: "It’s the same old story - Farage offers drama. Labour offers more tax, more spending and more state and Kemi is preparing for government."
