Dec 9, 2024 Story by: Editor
Kemi Badenoch has made history as the first Black leader of a UK-wide political party. However, her leadership is unlikely to bring substantial progress for Black Britons, given her track record and policy positions.
A Record That Upholds the Status Quo
Badenoch’s approach suggests little interest in addressing the systemic barriers that hinder Black Britons. Instead, she has consistently supported the structures that sustain racial inequality, framing them as part of Britain’s so-called meritocracy.
Her rise can be attributed, in part, to her positions on cultural issues that resonate with the right wing of her party and socially conservative sections of the ethnic minority voter base. Yet, assuming she represents Black voters solely because of her ethnicity would be incorrect. Badenoch herself has criticized identity politics, arguing that viewing Black people as a “homogeneous, monolithic bloc” is misguided.
Critics argue that her policies and rhetoric undermine efforts to advance the rights of Black Britons, regardless of their political affiliations.
Championing “Anti-Woke” Conservatism
Badenoch has promoted an “anti-woke” agenda that avoids confronting racial inequality. She has downplayed Britain’s historical and structural inequities, celebrating the nation’s alleged racial tolerance instead.
As minister for equalities, Badenoch defended the controversial Sewell report, which claimed that institutional racism is not a problem in the UK. While acknowledging disparities among ethnic groups, the report concluded there was no evidence of systemic racism, a finding widely criticized by scholars, activists, and organizations. UN human rights experts went so far as to say the report sought to “normalize white supremacy.”
Critics of the report noted that it ignored significant evidence of racial inequality and discrimination in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, and criminal justice. They also accused it of selectively using data to downplay systemic racial disparities.
Badenoch has also dismissed calls for slavery reparations, labeling them a “scam.” She has argued that the British Empire should be remembered for its role in ending slavery rather than its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Additionally, she has resisted calls to incorporate more Black history into school curriculums.
Addressing Racism within the Party
While Badenoch condemned racist remarks made by Conservative donor Frank Hester against Labour MP Diane Abbott, she quickly shifted the focus, stating the country needed to “move away” from such issues. This approach suggests a reluctance to confront racism within her party.
Persistent Inequalities
Badenoch’s views on race contrast sharply with the lived realities of many Black Britons. Despite her claim that Britain is the best place to be Black, systemic racism remains widespread in education, employment, and policing.
Between 2012 and 2022, Black African, Caribbean, or Black British employees consistently earned less than their white counterparts, according to the Office for National Statistics. Black Caribbean students face disproportionate exclusions in schools, often for minor offenses.
Policing statistics reveal stark racial disparities: Black people are seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and are more likely to experience police force. Black children are disproportionately subjected to strip searches.
The Black British Voices Project found that 87% of Black Britons distrust the criminal justice system, while 90% of young Black people expect to encounter racial prejudice as adults. Only 2% believe educational institutions adequately address racism, highlighting the ongoing challenges in tackling racial inequality.
The Conservative Party’s Diversity Paradox
Badenoch’s leadership underscores a paradox within the Conservative Party. Over the past 14 years, the party has become more ethnically diverse, yet it has taken regressive stances on issues related to race and racism.
Some argue that ethnic minority politicians are being used as “reputation shields” to justify regressive policies, such as stricter immigration controls and harsher policing measures. These policies, often advanced by minority home secretaries, serve as examples of this phenomenon.
Research shows that ethnic minority representation does not automatically lead to racial justice in policy. Badenoch’s leadership, marked by divisive rhetoric and policies, reflects this disconnect.
Declining Approval
Badenoch’s divisive approach and the Conservative Party’s broader struggles are evident in recent polls. Her initial approval ratings are lower than those of her predecessors, Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson. The latest Opinium poll for The Observer places her net approval rating at -5%.
With challenges such as Donald Trump’s resurgence in the US and Reform UK threatening the Conservative base, the party may shift further to the right, potentially exacerbating racial divisions. Source: Yahoo News
