Badenoch says US is acting in its national interest – and UK must do the same

The UK’s Path Forward: Embracing Realism in a Changing World

In a recent speech, Kemi Badenoch, a prominent Conservative leader, called for the UK to embrace a more realistic approach to foreign policy, particularly in light of the evolving global landscape. Speaking in London, Badenoch emphasized the importance of the UK acting in its national interest, drawing parallels with the US, which she argued is doing the same. While acknowledging that the US is "not an authoritarian regime" and shares Western values such as free trade, free enterprise, and free speech, Badenoch noted that the UK must also adopt a realistic stance in its international dealings. This sentiment comes ahead of a critical meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump, where the focus will be on ending the war in Ukraine.

The US and UK: Shared Values, Different Approaches

Badenoch’s remarks were made against the backdrop of recent UN resolutions, where the US chose not to condemn Russia’s actions in Ukraine and instead supported a resolution that avoided labeling Russia as the aggressor or acknowledging Ukraine’s territorial integrity. While she acknowledged that the UK disagrees with this stance, Badenoch argued that the US is simply "acting in its national interests," a realism that the UK must also embrace. She expressed hope that the prime minister would succeed in his talks with Trump, particularly in understanding the reasoning behind the US’s decision. This nuanced perspective highlights the complexity of international relations, where shared values do not always translate into uniform actions.

Starmer’s Crucial Mission in Washington

The upcoming meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump is being viewed as a pivotal moment in efforts to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. Badenoch described it as "absolutely critical" that Starmer succeeds in his talks, though she did not specify exactly what outcomes should be prioritized. Among the key issues expected to be discussed are the importance of Ukraine’s independence, the role of European nations in peace talks, and the potential for US security guarantees. However, the talks are taking place against a backdrop of controversial remarks by Trump, who has referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a "dictator" and suggested that Kyiv bears responsibility for starting the conflict. These comments, combined with Trump’s decision to send US officials to negotiate with Russia in Saudi Arabia without involving Ukraine or European leaders, have raised concerns about the direction of US policy.

Rebalancing the Budget for Defence

Badenoch also used her speech to call for a reassessment of the UK’s budget priorities, particularly in light of increased defence spending needs. She argued that the current allocation of 2.5% of GDP for defence is "now no longer sufficient," pointing out that the UK currently spends more on debt interest than on defence—a situation she described as a "destiny for weakness." To address this, she suggested "repurposing" development aid in the short term and making savings in the welfare budget. These changes, she argued, would free up the necessary resources to bolster the UK’s defence capabilities. Her comments were followed by an unexpected announcement from the prime minister, who revealed plans to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% in the next parliament.

A Call to Recognize the Changing World

Badenoch’s speech also carried a broader message about the need for the UK to adapt to a world that has fundamentally changed. She criticized the West for not doing enough to support Ukraine, arguing that the lack of decisive action has allowed Putin to gain the one thing he needed most: time. As a result, she noted, a significant portion of Ukrainian territory remains under Russian occupation, and the war continues to drag on. While she expressed pride in the UK’s initial support for Ukraine in the lead-up to the invasion and during the early stages of the conflict, she made it clear that the UK is "not ready" for the challenges posed by the current global landscape. "It is time to speak the truth," she said. "The world has changed, and we can no longer hide behind vapid statements that were at best ambitious 20 years ago and are now today outright irrelevant."

Conclusion: Embracing Reality, Charting a New Course

In summary, Kemi Badenoch’s speech painted a picture of a world in flux, where the old certainties no longer apply. She called for the UK to embrace realism, recognize the changing times, and take bold steps to ensure its national security and global influence. This includes increasing defence spending, making tough decisions about budget priorities, and engaging more effectively in international diplomacy. While the path ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, Badenoch’s message was clear: the UK must change and adapt if it is to remain a relevant and influential player on the world stage. As the UK navigates this complex new era, the success of Sir Keir Starmer’s mission in Washington—and the decisions made by policymakers in the coming months—will play a crucial role in shaping its future.