Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has advised British politician Kemi Badenoch to "stand your ground" and avoid a deal with Nigel Farage's Reform UK party. The suggestion reportedly came during an hour-long meeting between the two leaders in Rome on Monday, where they discussed challenges facing their respective countries.
According to reports, Meloni encouraged Badenoch to "be your own woman and stand your ground" and "you've got to be yourself." Both Meloni and Badenoch are facing political challenges from right-wing movements. In Italy, Roberto Vannacci, leader of the hard-Right National Future party, has seen polling advances, while in the UK, Badenoch has consistently ruled out any agreement with Reform UK ahead of the next general election. She has previously described a Conservative/Reform coalition as "monstrous."
During their meeting, Meloni and Badenoch also reportedly discussed economic issues, emphasizing the importance of retaining wealthy individuals who contribute to job creation and economic growth in both Italy and the UK. They also touched upon Britain and Italy's support for Ukraine, migration, and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Meloni noted that England has a history of female leaders, citing Queen Victoria and Margaret Thatcher, which she contrasted with Italy's less common experience. Badenoch later posted on X, formerly Twitter, praising Meloni's leadership and economic policies, stating that markets have more confidence in Italy under Meloni than in Britain under Labour. Badenoch expressed a desire to understand how Meloni restored confidence and attracted job creators, suggesting Britain would need similar resolve after a potential Labour government.
Badenoch's comments come after her own critical remarks about Farage and Reform UK at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She reiterated her refusal to consider a deal, stating she would prefer another election in the event of a hung parliament over a "monstrous Reform/Conservative hybrid" government.
Nigel Farage responded to the prospect of a coalition, stating that deals are based on trust, which he believes is lacking between Reform UK and the Conservatives. He suggested that many voters intending to support the Conservatives might ultimately choose Reform UK as a clear alternative to Labour, potentially making a coalition unnecessary or undesirable.