United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has publicly criticized Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch, describing her as a “self-appointed saviour of Western civilisation.”
The remark was made during a plenary session on Wednesday, in response to Badenoch’s claim that Starmer had followed her advice on cutting the aid budget.
Badenoch had stated that Starmer had acted on her recommendation to reduce aid spending, while questioning inconsistencies in the government’s defence budget figures. However, Starmer flatly denied being influenced by Badenoch’s suggestion, dismissing her claim with sarcasm.
“I’m going to have to let the leader of the opposition down gently. She didn’t feature in my thinking at all. I was so busy over the weekend I didn’t even see her proposal,” Starmer remarked. He further criticized Badenoch, saying, “She’s appointed herself, I think, the saviour of Western civilisation. It’s a desperate search for relevance.”
Starmer’s comments drew laughter from MPs on the House floor, with Badenoch herself seen smiling at the exchange. The Prime Minister also clarified the defence budget figures, stating that the £13.4 billion increase was the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.
The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and the opposition, with Starmer and Badenoch engaging in a war of words over policy and leadership. As the UK continues to navigate complex domestic and international issues, the rivalry between the two leaders is likely to remain a significant factor in British politics.