In a powerful address that set the tone for the Conservative Party Conference, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch declared the end of what she termed the "golden era" of globalisation, positioning herself as a leading voice in reshaping Britain's post-Brexit economic future.
The End of Fairy Tale Economics
Badenoch didn't mince words when she stated that the concept of a "golden era" for globalisation had proven to be nothing more than a "fairy tale." Her speech marked a significant departure from traditional Conservative economic thinking, challenging the established orthodoxy that has dominated British politics for decades.
"The golden era of globalisation is over," Badenoch told conference delegates, delivering a message that resonated through the hall. "We need to be honest about what hasn't worked and clear-eyed about what comes next."
A New Vision for Brexit Britain
The Business Secretary outlined a fresh approach to international trade and economic policy, emphasising that Britain's departure from the European Union had opened new opportunities that required different thinking. Her speech positioned the UK as ready to forge its own path rather than following outdated global models.
Badenoch's address came as a clear challenge to what she described as "the same old economic consensus" that has failed to deliver for many British citizens. She argued that the previous approach to globalisation had left communities behind and created vulnerabilities in the UK's economic framework.
Positioning for Leadership
Political observers noted that Badenoch's speech carried significant weight beyond its policy content. Coming just days after Liz Truss's controversial conference appearance, Badenoch's confident delivery and substantive message reinforced her position as a potential future leadership contender.
Her ability to articulate a clear vision for Britain's economic future while acknowledging past failures demonstrated a political savvy that sets her apart in the current Conservative landscape. The speech successfully blended ideological conviction with practical policy thinking.
Practical Policy Over Ideology
While the speech contained strong rhetoric, Badenoch grounded her arguments in practical concerns. She emphasised the need for economic resilience and security, pointing to recent global disruptions as evidence that Britain needed to build stronger, more diverse trading relationships.
"This isn't about turning inward," she clarified. "It's about being smarter about how we engage with the world and ensuring that our international relationships work for British businesses and British workers."
The address represents a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of Conservative economic thinking, with Badenoch emerging as a key architect of the party's post-Brexit, post-globalisation vision for Britain's future.
