Kemi Badenoch Signals Possible UK Withdrawal from International Courts

The Conservative leader argues for prioritizing national sovereignty and warns against reliance on international law and institutions dominated by activists or autocratic regimes.

Kemi Badenoch, in a foreign policy speech, emphasized the need for 'conservative realism,' prioritizing UK sovereignty and national interests over reliance on international law and institutions.
She criticized international bodies like the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), citing cases she believes undermine UK sovereignty and values.
Badenoch hinted at potential UK disengagement from international courts if they are perceived as advancing activist agendas or being influenced by autocratic nations such as China or Russia.
She affirmed the importance of alliances like NATO and trade agreements such as the Aukus partnership and CPTPP, provided they align with British interests.
The speech comes as Labour's Keir Starmer prepares for a Washington visit to discuss defense spending and the US role in Ukraine peace efforts, highlighting contrasting approaches to foreign policy.

The Telegraph

The Times