The Conservative Party has unveiled a new exhibit at their conference in Birmingham, a faux museum piece called the “Birmingham Tapestry”. It chronicles the ascension of Kemi Badenoch as leader and her first year in power, featuring several major news stories and Daily Express campaigns.
Burnham and the EU Flag
The tapestry depicts Andy Burnham sewing the UK’s star back into the EU flag, referencing his recent statement that he would seek to rejoin the EU as an option for a reset with the bloc. The Daily Express, which backed the Leave campaign, is running its own “give us a proper Brexit” campaign.
Farming Protests and Tax Reversal
Labour’s inheritance tax on farms, branded cruel, sparked protests in Westminster and the Daily Express “Save Britain’s Family Farms” campaign. While the tax has been watered down, it has not been fully reversed despite warnings about family farm breakups and food security.
Early Prison Releases
The tapestry also features Labour’s early release scheme, which lets some prisoners out partway into their sentences to reduce overcrowding. The policy continues despite opposition from victims of crime and Labour MPs, and has been criticised by the paper and the Conservative Party.
Winter Fuel Payment and Tax Hikes
Rachel Reeves is shown as a feudal baron revoking winter fuel payments from pensioners, a decision that prompted a U-turn after the Daily Express campaigned for its return. The tapestry also reimagines the arrow shot into King Harold Godwinson, with the British taxpayer targeted by John Healey while Andy Burnham watches on. Tories have long attacked Labour for tax hikes, with fears of further increases in the next Budget due later this month.
