In a recent interview with BBC's Nick Robinson, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch sparked controversy by expressing her apparent disdain for international law, advocating for a 'might makes right' approach in foreign policy. The remarks, which drew sharp reactions from Denmark and other nations, came as Badenoch sought to distance herself from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's stance on the US intervention in Venezuela.
Badenoch stated that she was 'thrilled to see the back of international law' and suggested that the strong and powerful should call the shots. She argued that the US operation in Venezuela was morally right, despite uncertainty about its legal pretext. 'Why bother getting bogged down in all the legal niceties?' she asked, proposing a more aggressive foreign policy that bypasses traditional diplomatic processes.
However, Badenoch drew a line at Greenland, insisting that Donald Trump should not claim the territory for America, as it could threaten Nato. 'Greenland was different,' she said, though she did not elaborate on why. Her comments have been interpreted as a green light for unilateral action against regimes the West dislikes, prompting criticism from Denmark and other allies who view the remarks as dangerous and destabilising.
Badenoch also criticised Starmer, claiming she would have been more effective in dealing with Trump. She suggested that as prime minister, she would have been invited into Trump's war room and that Trump would not have acted without her approval. Robinson countered that no world leaders were consulted by Trump and that Starmer's pragmatic approach had secured tariff reductions and maintained unity on Ukraine.
The interview has reignited debate about the UK's foreign policy direction, with critics accusing Badenoch of endorsing a lawless international order. Her comments are seen as a stark departure from traditional Conservative support for the rules-based system, raising questions about her suitability for leadership.
