Badenoch Urges Support for Public and Police Intervening in Wrongdoing

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has called for greater support for members of the public and police officers who intervene to stop wrongdoing. Speaking at the Police Federation conference, Badenoch stated that individuals should not fear repercussions for "doing the right thing."

"Too often these days, we fail to recognise sacrifice and service," Badenoch told delegates. "Whether it's hounding brave and elderly veterans through the courts, hounding police officers who try to do the right thing, or even ordinary members of the public who step in to help only to find that they're in trouble themselves."

She suggested that this environment makes people "too scared to wade in, too scared to do the right thing." Badenoch positioned herself as someone who is "not scared to wade in, and I am not scared to back the police."

Badenoch referenced several officers who died in the line of duty, including PCs Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, who died in a road crash, and PC Andrew Harper, who was killed while investigating a quad bike theft. She also addressed cases where officers faced scrutiny, citing the trial of Sgt Matthew Blake, who was cleared of murder after shooting Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old who attempted to ram police vehicles. Badenoch argued that the officer's "job was made harder because he didn't get the backing he deserved."

The Conservative leader also criticized the Labour party for not sending a minister to address the conference for two consecutive years. "You are the ones who enforce the law. You are the ones who ensure there are consequences for bad behaviour. That's why, if we want law and order back in our country, back on our streets, we need to back the police," she said.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office rejected Badenoch's claims, asserting that the police have the government's "full backing" and are benefiting from ongoing investment and reforms. The Home Office has been contacted for comment regarding ministerial attendance and plans for police recruitment.