Badenoch claimed Western civilisation was in crisis as she spoke to global right-wing leaders on Monday
Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative leader, faced criticism for her speech at the right-wing Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) conference, where she attacked diversity policies and climate activism. Accused of "competing with Nigel Farage to fawn over Donald Trump," Badenoch was also criticized for giving only a cursory mention to defence spending during her speech, despite European leaders gathering in Paris to discuss a response to Trump's new approach to the Ukraine war. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused Badenoch of "parroting Trump’s dangerous rhetoric" instead of standing up for national security. This comes amid growing concerns over Trump’s influence on global defence strategies, following his shock talks with Vladimir Putin and suggestions that Ukraine may have to cede territory. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attends a European crisis summit called by French President Emmanuel Macron to address the threat posed by Russia.
