2024-11-02 13:29:00
The shadow secretary of state for Housing, Communities and Local Government began by thanking her predecessor – who was the first British Indian leader of the party.
“I want to thank Rishi, no one could have worked harder in such difficult times. Rishi, thank you for everything you did. We all wish you and your wonderful family the very best for the future,” said Badenoch in her acceptance speech.
Rishi Sunak took to social media to extend his support. “Congratulations to Kemi Badenoch on being elected Conservative Party leader. I know that she will be a superb leader of our great party. She will renew our party, stand up for Conservative values, and take the fight to Labour. Let’s unite behind her,” he said.
What does Kemi’s appointment say for India?
Badenoch is likely to run for PM in the next UK general elections scheduled for 2029. Badenoch’s victory confirms a further shift to the right for the UK’s oldest political party, suggesting it may take a more hardline approach toward immigration, climate measures and culture politics in opposition, reported ToI.
Having previously served as business and trade secretary and dealt with free trade agreement (FTA) talks with India, Badenoch indicated during the course of the Tory leadership campaign that she blocked the deal over demands for more visas. The FTA negotiations, which were paused for general elections in both countries, are aimed at significantly enhancing the estimated GBP 38.1 billion a year bilateral trading partnership.”As business secretary, even as I was trying to do things to limit immigration, we had an India FTA where they kept trying to bring in migration and I said no. It’s one of the reasons why we didn’t sign it,” Badenoch reportedly told ‘The Telegraph’.Both candidates had put immigration in the spotlight during the campaign, with Jenrick singling out India as one of the countries that should be subjected to tough visa restrictions across all categories unless it takes back its nationals who enter Britain illegally.
Badenoch, meanwhile, condemned new migrants bringing their disputes from India to cause unrest on the streets of the country.
“I saw as equalities minister people bringing cultural disputes from India to the streets of Leicester,” she said back in September.
UK-India FTA deal closer?
All in all, however, the situation remains positive for India as the UK is very keen to clinch the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India and is building towards that magic moment, Britain’s minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific said during a special Diwali reception in London. Catherine West, parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), referenced the previous Conservative government’s Diwali 2022 deadline to complete the FTA negotiations as she reiterated the recently elected Labour government’s commitment to get the deal done.
“As the new government, we’re still extremely keen to be getting on with our trade deal, which was meant to be signed a couple of Diwalis ago. But we don’t mind, what’s a Diwali between friends,” said West, addressing the FCDO’s gathering of parliamentarians, community leaders and professionals at Lancaster House to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
“Our new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is in the works, and all of these things go to building towards that magic moment where we light the candle on the free trade agreement. While I’m thinking of a lot of different things (this Diwali), it would be good to light the candle on that deal. Please pray for those negotiations, so we can have the light that goes on to the best positive feelings and the magic that you do get when you get a deal,” she said.
(with agency inputs)
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**Interview with Political Analyst Dr. Jane Roberts on Kemi Badenoch’s Leadership Victory**
**Host:** Welcome to our program, Dr. Roberts. Today we’re discussing the recent election of Kemi Badenoch as the leader of the Conservative Party. What are your initial thoughts on her victory?
**Dr. Roberts:** Thank you for having me. Kemi Badenoch’s election is historically significant; she is the first Black woman to lead the Conservative Party. Her appointment indicates a pivotal moment for both the party and UK politics as a whole, especially following the recent general election challenges they faced.
**Host:** Badenoch has made headlines for her hardline stance on immigration during her campaign. How might this affect the party’s policies moving forward?
**Dr. Roberts:** Certainly. Badenoch has positioned herself distinctly on immigration, promising to take a more stringent approach. This could signal a shift to the right for the party and might attract voters who are concerned about immigration issues. However, it could also alienate some moderate Conservatives who prefer a more balanced approach.
**Host:** In her acceptance speech, Badenoch expressed gratitude towards Rishi Sunak. What does this continuity indicate about the party’s direction?
**Dr. Roberts:** Badenoch’s acknowledgment of Sunak reflects a sense of unity in the party, at least on the surface. However, her leadership style and policies may divert significantly from his, especially considering her previous remarks on the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and immigration.
**Host:** Speaking of the Free Trade Agreement with India, where do you see those negotiations heading now with Badenoch in leadership?
**Dr. Roberts:** Badenoch has been quite vocal about immigration concerns in relation to the FTA and has blocked agreements in the past over these issues. However, the British government remains keen on moving forward with the deal, so it will be crucial to see how she balances these priorities and the demands of business leaders who favor trade with India.
**Host:** what does her victory mean for the future of the Conservative Party heading into the next general elections?
**Dr. Roberts:** Badenoch’s leadership will likely shape the party’s platform significantly. If she maintains her hardline stance, it might energize a segment of the base, but it could be risky if it pushes away centrist voters. As she prepares for a run in the next general election, her ability to unify the party while appealing to a broader audience will be critical to her success.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Roberts, for your insights on Kemi Badenoch’s leadership and its implications for UK politics. We look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
