Cabinet Minister Kemi Badenoch has ignited a fiery political storm after branding the devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland a ‘disaster’ for the United Kingdom. The Business Secretary’s controversial remarks, made during a private meeting, have been met with widespread condemnation and ridicule from political opponents and constitutional experts alike.
The row erupted after a recording from a meeting with Tory supporters in Newbury, Berkshire, was leaked to the media. In the clip, Badenoch is heard stating, "You will see a lot of problems with devolution. I think devolution has been a disaster for the UK." She further argued that the current system has created a "lot of waste and confusion" and that the country would be better run from Westminster.
A Swift and Angry Backlash
The response from the devolved nations was immediate and scathing. Welsh First Minister Vaughan Gething led the charge, dismissing her comments as "bizarre and offensive to people and communities across Wales." He accused the senior Tory of being "completely out of touch" and suggested she was attempting to undermine Welsh democracy.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) was equally critical. SNP MP David Linden slammed Badenoch’s views as "an utter disgrace" and indicative of a Conservative Party that holds Scotland in contempt. He stated that her words would only strengthen the case for Scottish independence.
Defence and Doubling Down
Facing a mounting backlash, a spokesperson for Kemi Badenoch attempted to clarify her position. They claimed her comments were specifically critical of the Welsh and Scottish governments' performance, particularly on public services, rather than the principle of devolution itself. They insisted she believes in "making devolution work" but that the current leadership had failed.
This defence did little to quell the anger. Critics were quick to point out that the recording clearly showed her condemning the entire system of devolution, not just its current execution. The incident is seen as a major unforced error for Badenoch, a figure often touted as a future leader of the Conservative Party.
The controversy has thrown a spotlight on the deep tensions within the UK's constitutional framework and has provided fresh ammunition for pro-independence movements in Scotland and Wales.
