Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch defended her party’s controversial immigration plans, including possibly leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the justified anger felt by the Jewish community following a synagogue attack in Manchester. The exchange occurred during a live program where both were pressed on key policy areas.
The discussion unfolded amid heightened concerns over antisemitism and the government’s response too Thursday’s attack.Mahmood stated the investigation is ongoing and she has been in contact with the victims’ families. She conceded Jewish people are “justified in their anger” at the government, adding their concerns are influencing proposed new police powers regarding protests, while maintaining the right to protest would be preserved. Two Manchester-based Rabbis appearing on the program asserted antisemitism has been allowed to grow in the UK, expressing lack of surprise at the synagogue attack.
Badenoch agreed protest laws require advancement but questioned the government’s delay in addressing them.She than defended her plan to remove 750,000 illegal immigrants from the UK if the Conservatives win the next election, insisting the plan, even with potential withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights, “were credible.” Badenoch also addressed potential rollbacks of UK climate commitments, citing commercial competitiveness, and affirmed continued support from party members.
